King Akhenaten

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the life of King Akhenaten (who eventually changed his name to Amenhotep) who came to power in c.1352 B.C.E. and ruled for seventeen years. It evaluates the several transformations in art, politics, culture and religion he made during his short reign such as the dismissal of Egyptian polytheism in favor of the worship of a single god. There is also a review of the royal art works during his reign which become known as the Amarna art period.

From the Paper:

"Amenhotep was mostly well remembered for his radical transformations. Plenty of people thought he was a shame to Egypt, to others he was a Christ-like visionary. In honor of the sun disk Aten, Amenhotep changed his name to Akhenaten. He also changed the format for Egyptian religion from several gods to a monotheistic religion involving Aten. Some believe his mother, Tiy, helped bring this change forth. Nefertiti may have also fueled his religious appetite. It is also believed that Akhenaten was a mentor of the biblical figure Moses. Akhenaten was a firm believer in maat or divine truth and centered his religion around this."

More papers on King Akhenaten:

• Essay # 9582 : "King Akhenaten and the Amarna Art Period"
• Essay # 26503 : "The Religious Reforms of Akhenaten"
• Essay # 50031 : "Pharaoh Akhenaten"

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