They landed, said "let's build some huge triangles for shits and giggles" and then they fucked off.
this post was submitted on 13 Oct 2023
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The "great wonders" of this world typically derive from some form of slavery/exploitation.
Skilled paid stonemasons were required to build the tight fitting surface stones of this one, so some of the laborers were definitely not slaves, howeveri believe you're correct I doubt the sled drag team was salary.
Why can't you have skilled slaves?
maybe it wasn't worth teaching slaves how to properly build the pyramids and it was easier to get already educated citizens to build them
Maybe. Or maybe it was worthwhile to enslave people who know how to build pyramids than to pay them?
It's not like any other country was that keen on building pyramids, like ever. Which of the cultures and/or races they enslaved would have experienced pyramid builders to boot?
Even in Egypt, building pyramids was a very niche hobby.
I dunno, I wasn't around. We have records of different "levels" of slaves in Rome (2000 years later) so it's possible.
Then again, I think the Nile was the only river providing so much bounty that all the labour could go into such large projects. Obviously Mesopotamia was doing well at the same time, but I don't think they were doing the same level of megaprojects. BUT, my view is biased I'm that I'm not really aware of sources before about 500BC, so there could have been other megaprojects that didn't survive.
Regardless, I would estimate a hierarchy of builders and labourers is highly probable for the pryamids. The level of compensation and agency for each of those levels is something I don't think we know (though this may be my personal blind spot).
I would be surprised if pyramid engineers/architects were allowed to leave their project sites or find other work. But that's me placing my modern state and strategic lens on a important ressource.
True. I also went from the assumption that slaves way back then = slaves in recent history.
I like to think that being the pyramid engineer/architect for the current pharaoh at the time would have been even a lifetime job.
If they were allowed to decide themselves what project to work on... I would really like to know that.
Maybe they handed out pamphlets, promoting their skills.
Pete's Pyramids! Now with 5,000 year guarantee!
If you want to be remembered forever, a Pete's Pyramid is the only way to guarantee you and your slaves will be entombed forever. Our Ra-proof quadruple slope technology is perfectly aligned with astrological precision to make sure all your worldly belongings make it to the next realm. Ask about our embalming subscription package to keep your organs in the best shape possible.
Mike's mausoleums don't have this kind of deal.