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How did ancient Egyptians measure the Nile River's flood level?
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Nile River
Sand dunes along the Nile River, Egypt.
Ancient Egyptians measured the height of the Nile River during its annual flood using a device known as a nilometer.
This gauge typically consisted of a graduated scale that was either carved directly into natural rock or built into the stone wall of a pit that communicated with the river, allowing for accurate monitoring of the water level.1