[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Plus, depending on how old the pyramids actually are, Egypt was very lush when first settled, desertification happening later (Creationist, in case you're wondering). The same with Sumer. Why would the two most powerful civilizations settle what today is (in terms of climate) relatively cruddy land?

P.S. During the Ice Age.

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

Why would the two most powerful civilizations settle what today is (in terms of climate) relatively cruddy land?

Well, in Egypt's case, the land in the immediate Nile Valley isn't that cruddy, and the annual flood would replenish it. In Roman times, Egypt was considered a breadbasket and its exported grain fed much of the empire. Combine that with the security that the surrounding deserts provided from aggressive neighbors and Egypt becomes a pretty attractive place.

[GSlob]

see # 66. Where are the ruins of gigantic industrial lime kilns? The lime works would themselves be the size of a pyramid. And if it was done in mom-and pop ovens, then multiply the fuel amount by 2 or 3.