BETA
Chapter 1
The mind-bending timeline of Egypt
Chapter 2
Beer, bread, and the economy of labor
Chapter 3
The bizarre world of animal mummies
Chapter 4
Medicine, makeup, and bizarre health practices
YOUR GOAL
Master of Weird facts about Ancient Egypt
Ch 2 · Beer, bread, and the economy of labor
misslily Sort bizarre facts to uncover the unexpected daily life of ancient Egyptians.
misslily Ancient Labor Economy
Workin' hard all day, under the desert sun, got paid in beer, everyone!
misslily Workers walked off the job when their grain payments were delayed by the royal treasury.
misslily Archaeological discoveries prove that the massive pyramids were built by respected, paid laborers rather than slaves.
Fun Fact
Bread currency: In ancient Egypt, beer and bread were so central to the economy they were used to buy clothes, furniture, and even houses.
Glossary
ration (noun)
A fixed allowance of food or provisions allotted to an individual. Giza pyramid builders were paid in daily rations of bread and beer during the Old Kingdom.
A fixed allowance of food or provisions allotted to an individual. Giza pyramid builders were paid in daily rations of bread and beer during the Old Kingdom.
Quiz
Which pharaoh was reigning when the first recorded labor strike in history occurred in 1159 BCE?
Quiz
What does the high-quality diet of beef and fish found in the Giza barracks tell us about the pyramid builders?
Quiz
Where did archaeologists find the skeletons of pyramid workers that proved they received advanced medical care?