The Great Pyramid was not built by slaves, but by paid workers who drank beer and ate meat.

Image Credit: By Morhaf Kamal Aljanee For decades, pop-culture like Hollywood blockbusters and classical history books, has painted a harsh picture of the Great Pyramid’s construction. We often imagine thousands of slaves, oppressed by cruel supervisors, pulling massive stones in the cruel heat to build eternal monuments for their kings. However, modern archaeology has challenged this myth, revealing a complex picture of human history.According to archaeological evidence from the Giza Plateau Mapping Project, the individuals who built the Giza pyramids were not replaceable slaves, but a respected, well-provisioned, and highly organised workforce. Excavations at the 'Lost City' and the discovery of a dedicated workers' cemetery have proven that these men and women lived in a purpose-built town, enjoyed a rich diet of meat and beer, and received advanced medical care. They were the backbone of a project that unified ancient Egypt through advanced administration and shared pride.Where did the pyramid workers live during the constructionAccording to the Giza Plateau Mapping Project (GPMP), the workers lived in a massive settlement known as Heit el-Ghurab (HeG), or the ‘Lost City,’ loca...