A Nilometer

[Imperial Dave]

https://x.com/archeohistories/status/1982716528916123709

Another new one on me 

[Erpingham]

Another new one on me 

Really?  Wonderful bits of engineering are nilometers.

[Jon Freitag]

The Elephantine Island nilometer at Aswan is simple compared to the two in Cairo and Kom Ombo I visited.

[Nick Harbud]

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.

 

[Jon Freitag]

What would today's society recruit as a harbinger of Divine Judgment?

[Nick Harbud]

A stupefying budget deficit followed by a suggestion to cut welfare benefits?

[stevenneate]

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.

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.

[Imperial Dave]

Usually involving sharp instruments and lots of bandages....

[nikgaukroger]

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.

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.

[stevenneate]

Yes, but a great fable for the grandkids about taking responsibility.

[Imperial Dave]

Perhaps they were in denial

[stevenneate]

Truly they were.

[Imperial Dave]

However high it was....