photo #6965634

The nilometer is an ancient device used to measure the water level of the Nile River. These measurements were crucial in Ancient Egypt, as the level of the Nile determined the fertility of agricultural land and therefore the annual harvest. A nilometer could consist of a graduated column, a stone staircase, or a well connected to the river. Priests and officials were analyzing these measures to predict floods and plan resource distribution. The best known nilometers are found on the island of Roda, in the temple of Kom Ombo and in Elephantine.