Nilometer

Nilometer

During the annual flood season, a nilometer was used to measure the clarity and water level of the Nile River. There were three types of nilometers, calibrated in Egyptian cubits: a vertical column, a corridor stairway leading to the Nile, or a deep well with culvert. If the water level was low, it would negatively impact the fertility of the floodplain. Conversely, if the water level was too high, it would result in destructive flooding. There was a specific mark that indicated the ideal flood level for the fields to receive good soil.

A nilometer was a structure for measuring the Nile River's clarity and water level during the annual flood season. Nilometer s were first created during the time of the pharaohs, and they were also constructed during the Roman era. These structures remained in use until the 1960s when the Aswan Dam made them no longer necessary.

On the right here are the levels of the River.

Roda Nilometer

A basic nilometer design consists of a vertical column placed in the river, with markings showing the water depth. An example of this design can be found on the island of Al-Roda in central Cairo. This particular nilometer, which is housed in a grand stone structure, was built in AD 861 under the supervision of the astronomer Alfraganus, following the orders of the Abbasid caliph al-Mutawakkil.

Al-Roda Nilometer

Priests and rulers, such as pharaohs, Roman or Arab leaders, were the only ones permitted to oversee the nilometers. They used their knowledge of the Nile's behavior to awe the general population and also to calculate the amount of taxes to be collected. To ensure exclusive access to the enigmatic device, numerous nilometers were constructed within temples, accessible only to the priests.

Measuring shaft of the A nilometer was a structure for measuring the Nile River's clarity and water level during the annual flood season. Nilometer on Roda Island, Cairo.

Nilometer on Elephantine Island

Another type of nilometer features stairs descending into the water, with marked walls for measuring depth. A well-known example is found on The island of Elephantine is one of major Aswan attractions floating on the Nile. The island in 12000 meters situated in the center of the Nile. Elephantine Island in Aswan, boasting 52 steps leading to a doorway at the Nile. This site held great importance as it marked Egypt's southern border and was the first to detect the onset of the annual flood.

A nilometer was a structure for measuring the Nile River's clarity and water level during the annual flood season. Nilometer on The island of Elephantine is one of major Aswan attractions floating on the Nile. The island in 12000 meters situated in the center of the Nile. Elephantine Island .

The Nilometer in Cairo

An amazingly beautiful place with wonderful architecture and views of the Nile, highly recommended.

Don't Miss This Interesting Experience And Book With Us Your Trip To Visit  The Roda A nilometer was a structure for measuring the Nile River's clarity and water level during the annual flood season. Nilometer in Cairo.