Akhenaten - The Heretic Pharaoh

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the life and times of Amenophis IV, who replaced the polytheistic traditions of Egypt with the monotheistic cult of Aten soon after he succeeded his father as pharaoh. The writer describes the historical and religious background leading up to his changes and the cult of Aten in detail. The paper also describes the distinct and innovative form of art, known as Amarna art, that was initiated by Akhenaten, and many of the reliefs and sculptures that remain from this period, including several of his queen, Nefertiti. In addition, the paper explains how Horemheb systematically dismantled Aten's temples and shrines, effectively eliminating any trace of Akhenaten or his monotheistic cult. The writer concludes that Akhenaten remains to this day and perhaps always will be an enigma in Egyptian history.

Outline:
The Ascension of Amenophis IV
The One True God
New God, New Art
Nefertiti - "The Beautiful One is Come"
Erasing Akhenaten
Heretic or Genius?

From the Paper:

"Amenophis IV, who by the end of his fifth year of reign had taken the name Akhenaten, initiated a vastly distinct form of art during his time as pharaoh, which has been designated as the "Amarna Period". Akhenaten's fervent devotion to a monotheistic religion was extremely evident in the various pieces of art from this period. There seems to be a direct correlation between the exclusive role of Aten, Akhenaten's sun-god, and that of the pharaoh, stressing Aten's unique position in Egyptian religion. Aten's names were written in cartouches, like those of the royal family, and the royal family was close to Aten to the point of monopolization. The king and queen were Aten's delegates, and it was only to them that Aten, portrayed as a sun-disc, extended its arm-like rays in reliefs and carvings."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abou-Alwan, N. 1996 Akhenaten: Reign of Controversy. Oxford University Press, New York.
• Aldred, Cyril 1968 Akhenaten, Pharaoh of Egypt. Thames and Hudson, New York.
• Aldred, Cyril 1988 Akhenaten: King of Egypt. Thames and Hudson, New York.
• Aldred, Cyril 1994 Egypt in the Days of the Pharaohs: 3100-320 B.C. Thames and Hudson, New York.
• Aldred, Cyril 1996 Akhenaten. Thames and Hudson, New York.

More papers on Akhenaten - The Heretic Pharaoh:

• Book Review # 49162 : "Donald Redford's "Akhenaten: The Heretic King"
• Term Paper # 116005 : "Akhenaten's Reign as Pharaoh"
• Essay # 45576 : "Akhenaten - Pharaoh of Egypt"

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