The reference to ancient Egypt in the first novel of the trilogy, Wool, is uncertain and can only be surmised through several key elements that are often involved in the characterisation of the Egyptian past in popular culture. The author of the novel makes no mention of this brief passage in any internet or television interviews, and to date, has yet to respond to our question posted on his personal website.
The moment takes place when Bernard, the director of the Silo, is awaiting the completion of Lukas’ training, who will succeed him. Lukas wants to know more about how they have arrived at the current situation of confinement in the Silo. Bernard then tells him about a past civilisation in these terms:

And there are stories in the Legacy about men from a long time ago in a land with great kings, like mayors but with many more people to rule. When these men died, elaborate chambers were built below the earth and filled with treasure. It required the work of hundreds of men. Do you know how they kept the locations of these chambers a secret?”
Lukas lifted his shoulders. “They paid the workers a ton of chits?”
Bernard laughed. He pinched a stray tea leaf off his tongue. “They didn’t have chits. And no, they made perfectly sure these men would keep quiet. They killed them.

The reference to the great kings who rested in tombs laden with treasure brings to mind the pharaohs of the Old Kingdom and the great pyramids, the construction of which employed thousands of workers. Finally, the reference to the death of those who built the chambers of these tombs in order to prevent the theft of their treasures also points to Egyptian civilisation, mainly in its recreation in popular culture.
Finally, it should be noted that the first season of the television series Silo (2023) does not include any reference to ancient Egypt.

Author: Abraham I. Fernández Pichel