How can we know that the Great Pyramids weren´t built by slaves but by paid workers?
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There’s enough comments about evidence but just wanted to note on how unnecessary slaves would have been. The Old Kingdom was growing way more food (money) than they needed. The farmers, which made up >90% of the population didn’t have much to do during the inundation months. So, the kings would gather up all the men to build monuments. That way, the surplus would go to the population and the king would get to display his greatness. If you were unemployed for a few months a year, you could go work for the government and bring home food for your family. The workers would get good food with more meat than they could get from their farms. They would also get great healthcare and benefits. If they were injured, the government would pay for their treatment and if they died, the government would cover the funeral expenses. Better than today’s work benefits if you ask me. This is something men would want to do, rather than being forced.
Besides the economic advantage, you have to also consider the religious aspect. The king is a god on Earth. He is responsible for keeping the balance of reality. Now imagine if you had a chance to work on your God’s tomb. Imagine how proud you would be telling your children and grandchildren that you helped build the resting place of a God. Not only did it pay well, but it would have been a great honor. With the economic and religious angle, you don’t need to force anyone when you have tens of thousands of willing workers.
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