It's not just that they were eating high protein. There are much cheaper sources of high protein than prime beef, so it is a logical conclusion that it is highly unusual that they would be feeding the best beef available to slave laborers. Kind of a roundabout way of saying that they were not likely to be slaves, but it makes sense. However, for Hawass to say that they definitely weren't slaves because of it is a bit of a stretch, at best. (and I really hope that I didn't imply that)
I would not be surprised if he made some sort of rule: filming on the Gaza plateau is only allowed if he is included!
I think that he already made that rule. That is why I was trying so hard to avoid quoting him. It isn't easy to do anymore. The man is often wrong, and he just flat wont shut up! I have read (and seen him on documentaries) where he wont allow excavation permits unless the archaeologist agrees with his theories ahead of time. I realize that he is trying to keep crackpots out of Egyptian dirt, but they guy goes totally overboard. Kind of like "dictator of the dirt".
He thinks he is a pharao.
btw, what cheaper sources of protein was there?
It was either fish or beef, you can't tell the quality of the beef so it may be the lousiest piece of meat.
I suppose they also had birds and eggs to eat, but perhaps beef was cheaper than bird. I don't know any other animal protein sources they ate.