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Nilometer on the island of Roda, Cairo, Egypt, c1895
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Nilometer on the island of Roda, Cairo, Egypt, c1895
Nilometer on the island of Roda, Cairo, Egypt, c1895. The annual flooding of the Nile was historically vitally important to Egypt because it governed the fertility of the soil and could mean the difference between abundance and starvation. Nilometers were developed in Ancient Egypt to measure the depth of the water in the Nile, enabling comparative historical records to be kept and allowing the priesthood to be able to announce the coming of the anticipated flood. The nilometer at Roda was built in 861, but was on the site of a much earlier version. The construction of the Aswan dams in the 20th century enabled the Niles flooding to be controlled by man, rendering the nilometer obsolete
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Media ID 14849391
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Cairo Depth Flooding Measurement Measuring Nile River Nile The Nile Ancient Egyptian Ann Ronan Pictures Hydrology Nilometer
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historical significance of the annual flooding of the Nile in Egypt. The image showcases a Nilometer on the island of Roda in Cairo, dating back to around 1895. In ancient times, the flooding of the Nile played a crucial role in determining the fertility of Egyptian soil, which directly impacted agricultural abundance or potential starvation. The Nilometer was an ingenious invention developed by Ancient Egyptians to measure water depth in the Nile. This allowed them to keep comparative historical records and enabled priests to predict and announce upcoming floods. The Roda Nilometer itself was built in 861 AD but had roots tracing back even further. However, with advancements in engineering during the 20th century, such as construction of Aswan dams, humans gained control over flooding patterns. Consequently, traditional methods like nilometers became obsolete. This engraving offers a glimpse into Egypt's hydrological history and highlights its geographical features. It symbolizes how science intersected with agriculture and geography to shape one of civilization's oldest societies. As we admire this monochrome print from Heritage Images' collection by an unknown creator, it serves as a reminder that even ancient civilizations relied on scientific measurements for survival amidst natural forces like rivers and floods.
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