large span

ancient Egyptian unit of measurement

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July 16, 2026

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The ancient Egyptian cubit was a primary unit of linear measurement, developed around 3000 BCE. It was based on the length of the arm from the elbow to the fingertips. A royal master cubit served as the standard, with all other cubit sticks measured against it. The royal cubit measured 524 mm (20.62 inches) and was divided into 28 digits (fingerbreadths). A "large span" was equivalent to 14 digits, or half a cubit. The Egyptians also developed methods for land measurement, crucial due to the annual flooding of the Nile River.12

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measurement system
The Egyptians
…one-half a cubit, equaled a large span. Sixteen digits, or four palms, made one t’ser. Twenty-four digits, or six palms, were a small cubit.
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…one-half a cubit, equaled a large span. Sixteen digits, or four palms, made one t’ser. Twenty-four digits, or six palms, were a small cubit.
Read More