The Pyramid Builders of Ancient Egypt (1996)

In this engrossing detective story, Rosalie David uncovers a fascinating picture of Kahun, a pyramid workmens' town excavated in 1887. In David's hands, the Egyptian builders of the pyramids are revealed as simple people, leading ordinary lives while they are engaged in building the great tomb for a Pharaoh. They worry about their families, grumble about the quality of the food, cheat overseers, even plan a strike for better conditions. Gone are the whip-driven slaves of the popular image: in their place are skilled workers knowing the value of their labor.