Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, once described the pyramid builders as slaves, which led to the widespread belief that the pyramids were constructed by a slave workforce. However, recent archaeological findings have debunked this myth, providing evidence that the pyramid builders were not slaves but rather paid laborers.

In 1990, graves of the pyramid builders were discovered near the pyramids. Egypt's chief archaeologist, Zahi Hawass, stated that these findings show that the workers were paid laborers rather than slaves. Furthermore, Dieter Wildung, a former director of Berlin's Egyptian Museum, mentioned that it is "common knowledge in serious Egyptology" that the pyramid builders were not slaves.

Archaeological evidence also supports the idea that the pyramid builders were well-fed, skilled laborers. A large number of cattle bones were found at Giza, indicating that beef, a delicacy in ancient Egypt, was a common food for the builders. Additionally, tombs holding the remains of the pyramid builders were discovered next to the Pyramids of Giza, where the pharaohs were buried. This suggests that the builders were respected and honored for their work, which would not have been the case if they were slaves.

Herodotus' writings about the pyramids were based on stories he heard from supposed priests during his visit to the site of the Great Pyramid in 450 BC. However, most modern historians agree that the pyramids were built by free Egyptian workers, possibly farmers who had little to do during the part of the year when their fields were flooded by the Nile.

The idea that the Israelites built the pyramids likely stems from the Book of Exodus, which describes the Israelites being oppressed with forced labor and building supply cities for Pharaoh. However, this account does not specifically mention the construction of the pyramids.

In conclusion, archaeological evidence and the consensus among Egyptologists indicate that Herodotus was wrong about the pyramids being constructed by slaves. Instead, the builders were paid, skilled laborers who were well-fed and respected for their work.
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