An examination of the life and beliefs of the pharaoh Amenophis IV, who renamed himself Akhenaten and changed the entire structure of Egyptian civilization during his reign from 1353 - 1336 B.C.
Abstract 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."
Abstract This paper provides a detailed description of two Egyptian temples at Karnak, the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Amon Re. The paper describes the two temples as the earliest and most elegant examples of Egyptian architecture representing the Old and New Kingdoms. The height and length of the temples are described, their columns, the history of their construction, the architectural and artistic renderings of the temples, and the great halls of the temples are all described in this paper.
From the Paper "The Temple complex at Karnak serves today as a reminder of the stately Pharaonic governments and the humble yet dedicated civilization that once thrived on the fertile banks of the Nile River some three thousand years ago. And it was at Karnak, the most important political and religious center as part of the ancient city of Thebes, that "the great temples were erected and dedicated to the veneration of the god Amon with the blue waters of the Nile close at hand" (Harris 157)."
Tags: ptolemaic, period, amenophis, iii, pharoahs, egypt, thebes, nile, river
An analysis of the life of Amenophis IV, also known as Akhenaten, who lived during the Ancient Egyptian period and was the first monotheist in recorded history.
Abstract This paper discusses how Akhenaten must always be remembered as the first true monotheist in world history. It looks at how his actions, viewed as heretical by his contemporaries, triggered an entire series of world-altering events that would eventually change the very structure and purpose of many cultures throughout the world in the centuries to come. An overview of the history and society during his life is provided in the paper.
From the Paper "These actions by Akhenaten, which to the ordinary Egyptian citizen might have been viewed as psychotic or due to a fanatic under some kind of sudden conversion, truly had the potential to establish the first world empire, for the growth of power fostered by the imperialist pharaohs before Akhenaten had enlarged the religious significance of the sun god Amen, the main god of all Egyptians. Even before Egypt had become the main force in the Mediterranean world, Tuthmose I maintained that his kingdom extended as far as ?the circuit of the sun,? and the military pharaoh, Tuthmose III, said of this god ?He seeth the whole earth hourly.? 4 Thus, Akhenaten was exploiting forces that had already gathered when he declared that the imperialized god of the sun was the only god in the universe and proscribed any rival or idol as blasphemous. He then appropriated to himself the new and universal god, making him the son, prophet and even the bearer of Aton's soul."
