The Builders of the Great Pyramid

Dr. Zahi Hawas explores a cemetery near the Great Pyramid, revealing insights into the lives of the builders. The workmen, who constructed the pyramids, built their own tombs using leftover materials. These tombs, with elaborate decorations, indicate they were for senior workers. Inscriptions reveal unique job titles, suggesting a well-organized workforce. Evidence of good nutrition and medical care, including brain surgery, challenges the idea that the pyramids were built by slaves. Instead, it suggests a paid workforce of 20,000 to 30,000 workers over 30 years.

What new insights were gained from the cemetery near the Great Pyramid?

• The pyramid was never completed.

• The workers had a structured society.

• The workers were slaves.

• The pyramid was built by aliens.

What materials did the workers use to build their own tombs?

• Mud bricks

• Leftover limestone and granite

• Gold and silver

• Wood and straw

What do the inscriptions in the workers' tombs reveal?

• The workers were all priests.

• The workers had various job titles.

• The workers were unskilled laborers.

• The workers were all farmers.

What does the evidence of the workers' diet suggest?

• They only ate bread and water.

• They had a vegetarian diet.

• They were well-fed and ate meat.

• They were malnourished.

What medical procedure was performed on one of the workers?

• Dental extraction

• Heart surgery

• Limb amputation

• Brain surgery

What does the medical care provided to the workers indicate?

• They received advanced medical treatment.

• They had no medical care.

• They were treated poorly.

• They were left to die if injured.

How long did it take to build the Great Pyramid?

• 30 years

• 20 years

• 10 years

• 5 years

How many workers were estimated to be involved in building the Great Pyramid?

• 10,000 to 20,000

• 20,000 to 30,000

• 30,000 to 40,000

• 5,000 to 10,000

What myth about the pyramid builders is debunked by the evidence?

• They were aliens.

• They were slaves.

• They were from another continent.

• They were all women.

What was the primary reason for the workers' good treatment?

• They were paid laborers.

• They were volunteers.

• They were prisoners.

• They were royalty.