Zahi Hawass, Egyptologist and former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, seems to have discovered indications which reveal that what was known about slavery in Ancient Egypt until now may not be entirely true. Following his Pyramid of Giza study, also known as the Pyramid of Cheops, he brought to light inscriptions such as “The friends of Khufu”, which indicated that, far from being slaves, these were skilled workers who had mastered Egyptian construction techniques to perfection. The Giza Necropolis still hides many secrets to be discovered. Beall declared that he intends to join Zahi Hawass to discover them, especially those hidden in the so-called Chamber of the Great Emptiness.
Great Pyramid of Giza; Pyramid of Cheops
The word “necropolis” comes from Greek and translates as “city of the dead”. It is right there, in the Necropolis of Giza, where the latest discoveries about Ancient Egypt have taken place. The famous Great Pyramid of Giza is located there. It is one of the largest pyramids in Egypt, also known as the Pyramid of Cheops, since it was this pharaoh who ordered to build it. 146.5 meters high make up one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the only one that is still preserved. Its interior has three funerary chambers; the queen’s chamber, the king’s chamber and the subway chamber. Currently, it has become a tourist attraction sadly overcrowded.
New discoveries
Zahi Hawass, born in 1947, is one of the most celebrated Egyptologists in the world. He is known for his many archaeological discoveries and for his fierce defense of Egypt’s heritage, its legacy and the recovery of historical artifacts that allow us to reconstruct its history with greater clarity. The former Minister of Antiquities of Egypt has carried out an investigation in the Great Pyramid of Giza, where he has obtained results that could turn upside down what until now was taken for granted regarding slavery in Ancient Egypt.
So far, it is known that the Great Pyramid of Giza was built by the order of the then Pharaoh Cheops (Khufu), during the fourth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. Usually, the construction of pyramids is attributed to the order of a pharaoh and execution of slaves. However, in his latest study, Zahi Hawass has discovered that this may not be the case. Never-before-seen markings have been found on the pyramid walls, indicating that, far from being slaves, the pyramid builders were more than skilled workers.
Technology and discoveries
The use of advanced imaging technology was put in place, through which the team was able to observe inscriptions, stone tools and more sophisticated building materials, which do not point to the work method of a slave. It has been possible to determine that there was a work hierarchy with clearly defined roles, thanks to the inscriptions found. On the walls we have been able to read phrases such as “Overseer of the pyramid side”, ‘Artisan’ or “Khufu’s friends”. I do not think that Khufu, being a pharaoh, was a friend of the slaves, right?
In an interview with Matt Beall, the host of Limitless, Hawass stated “The builders were not slaves. If they had been, they would never have been buried in the shadow of the pyramids.” He clarifies that slaves did not prepare tombs for eternity, as was the case with kings and queens.
Future partnerships
The evidence did not stop at the inscriptions. According to Hawass, the remains of a “dormitory village” were found by his colleague Mark Lehner. He explained that “Workers came, some to cut and shape the stones, others to transport them on wooden sleds to the base of the pyramid”. Before the end of the program Beall announced that he intends to join Hawass’ investigations, especially the one to be carried out in the mysterious chamber of the great gallery of the Pyramid of Cheops, nicknamed “Great Emptiness”. We will have to wait to find out what other secrets are uncovered in this mysterious pyramid.
