Assessment Questions 10.14

1. How do we know details about the construction of the pyramids of Giza according to the passage?

Details about the construction of the pyramids of Giza are known because ancient Egyptians provided information through their art, literature, and artifacts. For instance, the tomb of Djehutihotep contains a depiction of the transportation of a monumental statue, and a papyrus scroll written by Inspector Merer details the construction process.

2. Describe the artwork found in Djehutihotep's tomb and what it reveals about the transportation of the statue.

The artwork in Djehutihotep's tomb depicts the transportation of a large statue, approximately 7 meters high and weighing about 58,000 kilograms. The statue is attached to a sled, pulled by phalanxes of workers. A person on the sled pours a liquid, possibly water or olive oil, as a lubricant. The depiction involves 172 workers.

3. Who was Inspector Merer, and what did he document in his papyrus scroll?

Inspector Merer was an overseer of a group of 160 workers during the construction of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The papyrus scroll documented the daily work of Merer's crew, particularly the transportation of stone from Turn limestone quarries along the Nile to the Giza pyramids' worksite.