Archaeologists have uncovered ancient inscriptions inside Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza that shed light on the identities of the builders who constructed the colossal monument over 4,500 years ago. The findings challenge long-standing narratives and highlight the skilled labor and sophisticated organization behind the construction of King Khufu’s pyramid.
Debunking the Greek Narrative
For centuries, the prevailing belief—rooted in ancient Greek accounts—was that the pyramid was built by 100,000 slaves working in three-month shifts over 20 years. However, recent discoveries tell a different story. The pyramid was likely built by permanent teams of skilled, paid laborers who worked on a regular basis, taking one day off every ten days.
Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass and his team used advanced imaging techniques to explore a series of narrow chambers above the King’s Chamber. There, they discovered inscriptions dating back to the 13th century BCE, attributed to teams of elite workers. These writings, located in hard-to-reach areas, use a script that only trained Egyptologists can interpret accurately.
A Rich Diet for Workers
In a podcast interview with “Matt Bell Limitless,” Hawass explained that his team’s analysis of animal bones found in the nearby “Workers’ Village” revealed a surprisingly rich diet. Around 11 cows and 33 goats were slaughtered daily to feed approximately 10,000 workers—contradicting earlier assumptions that pyramid builders subsisted only on bread, onions, and garlic.
Tombs of the Builders
Another major find was the discovery of the builders’ tombs—resting places that include statues of stone polishers and inscriptions detailing their roles, such as “Supervisor of the Pyramid Side” and “Craftsman.” Tools including flint instruments and hammerstones were also uncovered, likely used in constructing the pyramid.
“These men were not slaves,” Hawass emphasized. “Had they been, they wouldn’t have been buried beside the pyramids. Slaves weren’t afforded eternal resting places like kings and queens.” He also unveiled never-before-seen photos showing the inscribed names on stone.
A Systematic Construction Process
The inscriptions also illuminate the organized nature of the pyramid’s construction. Limestone blocks from a quarry just 300 meters away were transported via a ramp system made of rubble and clay—remnants of which were found southwest of the pyramid.
“The base of the Great Pyramid was carved from solid rock, 28 feet deep,” Hawass explained. “After marking the square base, the workers carved all four sides to form a perfectly leveled stone platform—no blocks, just pure bedrock.”
Laborers operated in specialized teams: some quarried stone, others shaped the blocks, and teams of transporters moved materials using wooden sledges pulled over sand.
A Robot Expedition Into Khufu’s Secret Void
Hawass is now leading a new exploration project funded by Matt Bell. A robotic device will be sent into a massive void above the Grand Gallery of Khufu’s pyramid—a space first identified in 2017 that stretches more than 30 meters. Bell described the initiative as the first modern archaeological excavation inside the Great Pyramid.
The mission is expected to launch in January or February of next year, potentially revealing unprecedented secrets about the world’s most enigmatic monument.
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