Ancient Egypt had a strong central government that produced many impressive works. The public works concerned the work done for the Pharaoh such as digging canals, building temples, palaces, monuments, tombs and of course pyramids. The Pharaohs oversaw the creation of transportation and irrigation systems along the Nile in their efforts to control the flood waters. Pyramids and other big projects were costly in human lives but it was customary to prepare the burial site of the Pharaoh. Another reason for public works was to keep the general public from causing mischief when people where not planting. This proved to be effective as the common people were too busy to notice the immense power the Pharaoh held.