Nilometer
Southern tip of Roda Island, Cairo, EgyptMap
+20 (0)2 391 3454 (Tourist Information)
Neighborhood: Manyal
Overview
Until the completion of the Aswan High Dam in the 1950s, the annual Nile flood was a carefully watched event. Too much and crops washed away; too little and the country suffered from drought. To predict crop yields and taxes, the ancient Egyptians built several Nilometers including this one at the southern tip of Roda Island. The ancient gauge has long disappeared and the one here dates to 861 CE. The site rarely sees any tourists so it is often locked. With a little persistence the caretaker can be found to guide visitors down its stone-lined shaft.
- Type:
Attractions & Landmarks
- Nearest Train: El-Malek el-Saleh
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