Putting up pyramids: Characterizing kings

This chapter explores the interaction between man and nature in Herodotus through the figure of Cheops, the pyramid builder. It argues that, although grand engineering projects are often used in Herodotus to contribute to a negative characterization of players within the narrative, the focalization of such episodes introduces considerably greater complexity. Rather than simply concluding that building pyramids constitutes a despotic abuse of nature, as has been traditionally assumed of Cheops, this chapter notes that negative comments about Cheops and his pyramid-building activities are all focalized through the Egyptians. Herodotus, in propria persona, highlights instead the miraculous technical achievement of this project, and reverses the damnatio memoriae imposed by the Egyptians on this king. It is possible, therefore, by not only setting this episode alongside other instances of man’s control over nature, but also paying attention to issues of focalization, to challenge the view that Herodotus condemns this king.