Assessment Questions 10.11

1. How does Egyptologist Mark Lehner's archaeological research contradict the perspective that the pyramid builders were treated as expendable slaves?

Lehner's research in the worker city on the Giza Plateau found remains of food provided to the pyramid workers, and contrary to expectations of slave treatment, they were eating better than most people in Egypt. The "cattle to pig ratio" in their food was high, indicating that these workers were considered to be of high status while constructing the pyramids.

2. What does the "cattle to pig ratio" reveal about the status of the pyramid workers, and how does it challenge the notion of their treatment as slaves?

The "cattle to pig ratio" was on average 6:1 and, in some locations, closer to 16:1 in the pyramid worker's settlement, much higher than in peasant communities. This suggests that the workers were considered of high status, challenging the idea that they were treated as expendable slaves.

3. Why does the discovery of a cluster of tombs of pyramid workers near the Giza pyramids support the argument that these workers were not slaves?

The cluster of tombs of pyramid workers found near the Giza pyramids suggests that these workers were highly esteemed and not slaves. Zahi Hawass points out that no slave tombs would have been built so near the pharaoh's burial site, indicating that only highly esteemed workers would have been allowed such an honor.