https://x.com/archeohistories/status/1982716528916123709
Another new one on me :)
Quote from: Imperial Dave on Oct 30, 2025, 05:58 AMAnother new one on me :)
Really? Wonderful bits of engineering are nilometers.
The Elephantine Island nilometer at Aswan is simple compared to the two in Cairo and Kom Ombo I visited.
The great thing is that the level reached during the Nile flooods tended to be seen as a heavenly judgement on Pharoah's rule and, if it turned out unfavourably, he was either expected to ritually sacrifice himself to appease the Gods, or the priests would do this act to him anyway.
The equivalent in modern democratic governments is known as a general election, but one cannot help admiring the wisdom of the ancient Egyptians.
:P
What would today's society recruit as a harbinger of Divine Judgment?
A stupefying budget deficit followed by a suggestion to cut welfare benefits?
Quote from: Nick Harbud on Oct 30, 2025, 11:32 AMThe great thing is that the level reached during the Nile flooods tended to be seen as a heavenly judgement on Pharoah's rule and, if it turned out unfavourably, he was either expected to ritually sacrifice himself to appease the Gods, or the priests would do this act to him.
Harks back to a bygone era when government had integrity and stood by their word. We looked up to you as a god, things went bad on your watch, there are consequences.
Usually involving sharp instruments and lots of bandages....
Quote from: stevenneate on Oct 31, 2025, 05:21 AMQuote from: Nick Harbud on Oct 30, 2025, 11:32 AMThe great thing is that the level reached during the Nile flooods tended to be seen as a heavenly judgement on Pharoah's rule and, if it turned out unfavourably, he was either expected to ritually sacrifice himself to appease the Gods, or the priests would do this act to him.
Harks back to a bygone era when government had integrity and stood by their word. We looked up to you as a god, things went bad on your watch, there are consequences.
Pity the whole pharaoh sacrifice thing is a myth.
Yes, but a great fable for the grandkids about taking responsibility.
Perhaps they were in denial
Truly they were.
However high it was....