The nilometer was used to predict harvest (and taxes) linked to the rise and fall of the Nile River. American and Egyptian archaeologists have discovered a rare structure called a nilometer in the ruins of the ancient city of Thmuis in Egypt's Delta region.

What is a nilometer and why is it important?

A nilometer was a structure for measuring the Nile River's clarity and water level during the annual flood season. ... The akhet, or Season of the Inundation, was one of the three seasons into which the ancient Egyptians divided their year. The annual flood was of great importance to Egyptian civilization.

What is a nilometer And why did the Egyptians need to use it?

A nilometer was a device used by the ancient Egyptians to calculate the water level of the Nile River during its annual flood, and therefore predict the success of the harvest and compute the tax rate for the year.