The Egyptian Pyramids: Who Really Built Them?

Those men who were fortunate enough to construct the Pyramids were well paid for their labour and were provided with accommodation, making it easier for the workers to do their job successfully.  Workers were generally treated quite well as the Pharaoh knew productive workers would finish building their pyramids as quickly as possible. The after life was all important for the Egyptian people. They believed that if they did not construct the pyramids as they were instructed to do,or they do not finish building it in time, their Pharaoh could not enter the after life. The work was painstakingly slow and took 20 years to finish. Initially the Pharaoh employed 20 000 – 25 000 workers. Eventually Pharaohs realised that a smaller workforce would improve security of the Pyramids and improve efficiency suggesting few workers were needed to construct them. (Tyldesley p. 246-247)

In conclusion it was Egyptian men, not slaves who built the pyramids for their Pharaohs. Workers built them out of reverence for their Pharaohs and the many gods they worshipped. The Egyptians believed in an after life and the pyramids were an important for the Pharaohs to enter the after life.

Tyldesley, J 2002, Egypt’s Golden Empire, London, Review.