Footnote

b The ancient Egyptians enjoyed over 90 varieties of breads and cakes. So the chief of Pharaoh’s baking staff was a prominent man. And the chief cupbearer led a staff of servants who made sure that Pharaoh’s wine and perhaps beer were of high quality and were kept safe from any attempt to poison the monarch​—a real risk, for court intrigue and assassinations were common. It was not unusual for the cupbearer to become a trusted adviser to the king.