Akhenaten and New Kingdom Egypt

Geography and resources

Egypt was also known as Black Land (Kemet) because the long fertile strip on both side of the Nile divided by The Two Lands Of Upper And Lower Egypt. Dark rich silt deposition over the vallery flat when the Nile flooded breaking the bank at same time every time. The deserts was known as the Red Land (Deshret) which was the Western Desert, Eastern Desert and the Sinai. Nile Valley and delta included the rich silt, shown in table below. Meanwhile the desert provided gold, copper, decorative stone.
Mud, Bricks, Cray, Pottery. Papyrus: Paper, basket, boats and sandals. Grain Crops, Flax for linen, fish and waterfowl
Egypt has natural barriers such as the desert and the Nile River.

Neignbour

The 3 main countries were Nubia, Syria - Palestine and Punt. These countries were added into the Egyptian Empire by Thutmose I (Warrior Pharaoh) and Thutmose the III. Soon other countries gave tribute to the empire for peace and They were influenced by Egypt. Egypt obtained (table) Nubia Gold, cattle, ebony, ivory, feathers and animal skins.

Syria-Palestine Value metals: copper, lead and silver. Precious metal lapis lazuli and rock crystal. Timber cider. Grains and animals. Punt incense (myrrh resin and resin), fragment wood,

Overview of 18th dynasty

End of the Middle Kingdom: Central government failed and a number of a smaller units emerged (New Kingdom \= Reunified country)
Ahmose became the first king of 18th dynasty, after the expulsion of the Hyksos that unified Upper and Lower Egypt into one kingdom.
He's successors conquered Nubia and areas of Syria-Palestine which was brought to Egypt both greater security and and considerable wealth. (embarked on buildings programs).
Dynasty gave much achievement for Amun-Re. (All achievements was because of Amun-re.)
Ability to defeat forces of chaos and establish maat was expressed in a new icon of the icon of the king actively engaged in warfare, Amenhotep II

political administration

small group of powerful officials controlled each division of administration. These were the:
Vizier, second only to the king, and head of the civil administration
Steward of the Royal Domain
Overseer of all Priest of All the Gods of Upper and Lower Egypt
Commander-in-chief of the Army
King's Son of Kush (viceroy I'm charge of Nubia)

Pharaohs role

King's were regarded as the embodiment of the gods especially Amun, often wearing ostrich feathers of Amun and the wings of Montu in battle. These statuses was shown by their names and titles. Also in their regalia (coronation day) such as the blue leather war crown called khepresh. He's responsibility were
Honour and show gratitude to the gods
Dispense justice
Provide prosperity and nourishment for people and land.
Protect the country and people

Royal women

Queen's in all Egyptian history were regarded as highly especially during the 18th dynasty were a number of exceptional and influential females were noted. Such as
Queen Ahmose - Nefertari (wife of Ahmose and mother of Amenhotep I)
Hatshepsut (first female pharaoh)
Queen Tiy (Tiye, wife of Amenhotep III and mother of Akhenaten
Nefertiti (Akhenaten wife)
The Great King's Wife, the consort was identified was the goddess of Ma'at , Hathor (sky detity) and Isis. They value enhances if they gave birth to a son (heir-apparent). The dowager queen was also highly regarded when royal daughters. Queen's and some royal daughters went with sons and husbands in investitures (investing a person with honour or ranks), inspection on buildings and presentation of rewards and dedication.
Queen Tiye's visit to Akhetaten which she is encompassed by the rays.

18th dynasty cult

Other gods and goddesses were worshipped by Amin-Re Re/Amun , Phat and Amun worshipped in the great cult centres of Heliopolis, Memphis and Thebes.

Funerary gods such as Osiris, Isis, Nephthys, Anubis and Thoth. Cults god/esses Hathor, Horus and Khnum. Personal household and villages deities worshipped in shrines such as Taweret (hippo, goddess of childbirth), Bes (bearded dwarf god of fertility, dance and music), Meretseger (snake goddess of peak) and Basket (cat goddess). Greater, Domestic, local and Royals.

Original sole god

Amun was the 'King of the gods', he became the imperial god during reunification around 18th dynasty. Amun started to associate with Ra - the sun god and Amun-Re pre-eminent god of Egypt. He was originally the god of Thebes. No other god or goddess could rival him. together they became the protector of royalty. Also a 'divine father' and upheld the belief of theogamy (Marriage of or between gods), the idea was that Amun-Re impregnated the queen with the future king and making him the living son of Amun-Re. The Pharaohs displayed they support and legitimacy for their reign was building projects and the inclusion of divine birth and coronation scenes in their building. He also helped the kings in battle, by pre-fighting.
Booty was dedicated to Amun especially in Karnak
Inspired campaign and assured victory
Warrior God
Independent relationships

Amun Priesthood

Was a group of religious leaders who were responsible for ensuring that the gods were honoured and cared for. The priesthood of Amun become extremely powerful, influential and wealthy during 18th dynasty. They were in change of three main factors the build Egyptian society (Religious, Economic and Political).

Role of the king and relationship with gods

Pharaohs are the physical embodiment of Amun
Ensure Ma'at
Interface between god and mankind
Pharaohs are incharge of justice, security, peace and economy.
Interdependent relationship with Amun
Temples and offerings were made all gods.
Pharaohs also showed they dedication and revenlance to the gods by making temples, reliefs and other building dedicated to Amun.

Cult and practices

Ordinary people took part in worship only at great festivals
Cult temples ensured relationship between gods and Egypt, King and welfare of the general population.
Offerings made in temple formed wages of government employees
Syncretism: Combining two gods together (Amun - Re and or Re- Harakhte)
King was the intermediary between the people and gods

Solar relationship and personal piety

Promoted Amun to national prominence
Emphasised the role of the sun god Re as unique

Amenhotep II

Takes an interest in the sun cult
First pharaoh to depict Aten in the form used by Akhenaten
Stela erected at Giza

Thutmose IV

More worship of the sun-god, Re - Horakhty and Aten
Fewer monuments made to Amun
Dream stela at the base of the Sphinx dedicated to Aten
Dreamt that Re-Horakhty promised him the throne
Second son (not meant to be pharaoh)
Recorded that he fought 'with Aten Before him' and that those he conquered would 'serve Aten forever' like the Egyptians.
Talked about the sun-disk as a god rather than the physical manifestation of Re

Amenhotep III

Aten is associated with royalty and the status of the king.
The Dazzling Sun-DIsk.
Radiance of the Aten.
Aten is made into a god with its own temples and priests.
Aten given the power to create which was the Re's role.
Change in titles.
Builds shrines to Aten near Amun-Re's temple at Karnak.
Aten priesthood established. (Priest from the priesthood of Amun appointed to Aten priesthood)
Worship becoming more widespread through Egypt.
'Hail to you, Aten of daytime, Creator of all who makes all things live!... creator of the earth's bounty...'
Hymn to Aten, inscribed in the tombs of Suty and Hor.

Early years of Akhenaten

Birth second son - named Amenhotep IV
Elder brother dies
Pharaoh at 16-17 possible co-regency with dad (2-12 years)
Amenhotep IV proclaimed a new version of the solar god Re-Horakhty
The name of Re-Horakhte was enclosed in a double cartouche and a new icon (the rayed sun disk) was inscribed or the temple pylons.
A decree was issued announcing the erection of four sun-temples near the enclosure of the god Amun-Re at Karnak.

Nerfertiti

Akhenaten was married to Queen Nefertiti.
Daughter of Ay and a distant relation of Akhenaten.
Believed to be the most famous woman of the ancient world but her origins are still a matter of debate.
Believed to be a descended from Ahmose-Nefertari, a prominent queen of the early 18th Dynasty.
Akhenaten looove Nefertiti as historians believed that she co-regency Egypt with him.

Kiya

Title 'greatly beloved wife'.
A block founded in the site of Hermopolis, located across the Nile from Akhetaten.
Identified as the mother of Tutankhamun and possibly Meritaten Tashery and Ankhesenpa'aten Tashery.
Kiya's name has been identified on several items that associate her with the north palace, the great palace and the great temple at Akhetaten.
Appeared to have died in approximately year 12 of Akhenaten's reign

Tadukhepa

A Mitannian princess from the land of Naharin
Sent to Egypt to marry Amenhotep II but appears to have been transferred to Akhenaten on his father's death
Diplomatic marriage

Royal Title, Akhenaten, Meaning

Horus, Meryaten, Strong bull, beloved of the Aten

(Bevloved) of the two ladies, Wernesytemakheraten, Great of kingship in Akhenaten

Horus of Gold, Wetjesrenenaten, Who displays the name of the Aten

He of the Sedge and Bee - Throne name, Neferkheperure-waenre, Beautiful are the Manifestations of Re. The sole one of Re

Son of Re - personal name, Akhenaten, Servant of the Aten

Early development program

Where? Four new buildings dedicated to Aten. These were to be erected at East Karnak, outside the temenos (a piece of sacred ground surrounding a temple) wall of Karnak Temple, the traditional precinct (boundary) of the god Amun.

Why? Challenge the power and importance of Amun, show the agenda of his reign.

What?
Gem-pa-aten ('the Aten was found') - the largest and first to be erected, it was oriented to the east and consisted of a roofed colonnade surrounded by a rectangular court about 130 metres by 200 metres in size.
Hewet-benben (mansion of the benben stone) - decorated with scene of Nefertiti, attended by daughters Meritaten and Meketaten making offerings to the Aten. The fact that she is not accompanied by Akhenaten indicates that the temples was reserved for Nefertiti's personal worship of Aten.
Rewed-menu (enduring in monuments) - the function of this building is unknown
Tens-menu (exalted in monuments) - no inscription to indicate the function of this building.

Akhetaten

New site at Tell el-Amarna which is 320km south of Memphis and 400km north of Thebes.

Akhetaten political motives

Try to gain political authority over the growing power of the Amun priesthood.
Moving from the place that Amun dominates dismissed the power and influence of the priesthood.
Moving away from Thebes limited the power and influence of the high status individuals political pull on the states bureaucracy - allowing the pharaoh to be the sole head of Egypt - eliminating any opposition for the new reign.
Fear of Assassination attempt - wanted to eliminate opposition.

Akhetaten religious motives

Akhenaten's religious reforms placed the king at the centre of the state religion, replaced the priesthood of Amun. Move would eliminate any opposition from the powerful Amun priesthood.
Akhenaten would be the Aten's sole representative on earth.
Records state Akhenaten had an epiphany () from the Aten to build the new city there.
Site had NO association with any other gods - site was untainted and unique place to worship Aten.

Akhetaten function

New religion, political, administrative capital of Egypt.
House all the residents who supported Akhenaten's new reforms.
Akhenaten able to show is great devotion to the Aten with the establishment of a new capital that the Aten requested.
Move away from political and religious opposition in the traditional New Kingdom capital, Thebes.

Akhetaten layout

Unusual - located on a baron site, fertile soil was on the western side of the Nile.
Central City housed the key religious and administrative buildings including the Aten Temples, Kings House and Great Palace - it appears this area was planned and built first.
Unusual - Tombs (Royal and non-royal) were built on the eastern side of the town to reflect Akhenaten's reforms to religion.
Suburbs for both royals, nobles and ordinary people appear to be in the north and the south, and these areas grew more organically. (Not planned).

Methods of worship

King was the only person through who prayers and petitions to the deity could be delivered.
Akhenaten and his family become the sole focus of worship.
Shrines of private houses, in tombs and temples.
Statues and images of the old gods were replaced by the royal family.
Amarna excavation \= above statement however private homes of all classes.
Aten religion did not have popular support among the ordinary people.
Chapels from the workers village had tradition gods like Thoth, Ptah, Taweret and Bes. Shown in small limestone stelae.
Concept of the afterlife was removed.
Overall very exclusive, lost interest and was very controversial.

Amarna Art

Amana art was not a sudden phenomenon, as the techniques were already developed .
Amarna artist and sculptors worked in innovative ways and focused on liveliness and naturalism, compared with pre-Amarnan art which rarely showed human relationships and consisted in using techniques such as strict proportions, stylised form and influence of registers (decoration containing inscriptions and painting, the wall paintings of Egyptian tombs were usually executed in registers.
Bek (Akhenaten's sculptor) made an inscription on a stela from Aswan, which he was instructed to do. Auta and Thutmose are known from tomb reliefs and their remains of their workshops was excavated in the South suburb of Akhenaten.

Representation of Aten

Initially depicted as falcon-headed god Re-Horakhty at Karnak.
Decoration of East Karnak temples lead to the new Aten representation, as a globe not a flat disc shown in Talata (stone blocks) and later relief. Wearing: the uraeus (scared serpent as an emblem of supreme power - headdress) and with spreading arms ending in human hands.
Most of the time, the hands were caressing Akhenaten and Nerferiti and offering ankh (Symbol of life). Most of the time place near their nose and hovering over their children. Tomb of Huya at Akhetaten, even Tiye, the mother of Akhenaten - offered the sign of life by the rays of Aten.

Portrayal of the Royal family and kings

Most dramatic artist change of portraying the Royal family and king Early part of Akhenaten's reign he used traditional style. Reliefs at Karnak and in some Theban tombs - shows the king as young , slim and resembling his predecessors. Revolutionary iconography adopted by Akhenaten on the erection of he's East Karnak temples. Scenes that were common in private tombs were now used in daily life, agriculture, domestic work, activities, along the Nile, animals at dawn and building sites. Nefertiti was depicted as equal as the king smiting () enemies, trampling () enemies as a sphinx, worshipping Aten without the presence of the King.

Daughter of the king were regularly shown.

Akhenaten goes Extreme

Nefertiti shown as the same scale as Akhenaten in reliefs and statuary (bunch of statues)
Depiction of emotions, affection by the royal couple and their children
Scene from Meketaten and possibly Kiya tomb (Death scene)
Entire royal family with extreme physiques and facial features common to Akhenaten and his children with characteristics elongated skulls.
Three-dimensional representation achieved by overlapping elements in a composition.

Late Amarna style

Softening in some extreme features of the Royal family iconography (images and symbols for art)
The family was shown more realistic and aesthetically pleasing. Unlike before elongated limbs, swollen hips and full bellies.
The Royal family is shown to age, grow and change meanwhile previous tradition only presented royal families as unchanging and ageless.
Amenhotep III as an old man sculptures founded in studio of Thutmose at Akhetaten.

Representation of natural world

Akhenaten's devotion toward ma'at encourage the idea of realistic depiction. Hymn to the Aten "the king who lives by ma'at". Artworks were founded in the royal palace and Akhetaten shows a rich and colourful diversity of plant and animals motifs executed in a flowing and naturalistic manner, not seen in works from other periods.
Sources summaries/ pictures
'Lush beauty of nature... serendipity are nowhere better seen than in the wall paintings of the 'Green Room' of the North palace... variety of birds takes flight... love of bright colours and juxtaposed dense pattern: courtyard floors were transformed into dense carpets of favourite plants painted... theme of nature and its bounty were repeated in faience and on ceramics.'
R.Freed, 'Art in the service of the religion and the state' 1999

Syria and Palenstine (Akhenaten)

Akhenaten was blamed for losing Egypt's sphere of influence in the Syria-Palestine region.
But this was much more complex according to Recent scholarships.
Akhenaten was sensitive to Egypt's interest and monitored the balanced power in the Near East.
Evidence comes from new interpretations of the Amarna letters and from the Aten temples at East Karnak.
In early years of the reign, he's armies campaigned (military operation) against the Apiru, outlaw bands of Palestine, the king resettled in Nubia.
'Fought at least one war with Hittites (Israel/middle eastern)' and Asiatic (Asia) soldiers.
Egyptian scholar, A.R Schulman believes that the war must have taken places within 5 years of reign.
Retaking the cities captured by Abdi-Ashirta of Amurru, this is recorded by Rib-Abbi, the prince of Byblos, writer of many Amarna Letters.
Rib-Abbi recorded repeat request for aid against Aziru of Amurru, who was taking advantage of Hittite destabilisation (upsetting for political stability) to increase his own territory, over-emphasis on the complaints of the vassal king, which made it seems like Akhenaten was neglecting his empire, Aziru was detained for a long period of time.
Source 41

Foreign policy

He was atypical (unusual) pharaoh who abandoned warfare, resulting in political and economic disasters. The king was too preoccupied with the religious changes to bother with foreign affairs. Akhenaten followed Amenhotep III's policy of maintaining diplomatic ties to avoid warfare in the Near East. He married a Mitannian Princess () as he's father, and continued the diplomatic correspondence with Egypt's vassals, as well as the Mitannian king, Tushratta. Policy was limited military action and containment enabled Akhenaten to maintain Egypt's influence in Syria and the Levant, expansion was not feasible. (Easy)

Nubia (Akhenaten)

Maintain foreign policy in Nubia. Construction of towns and waging of military campaigns. A town at Sesebi near the Fourth Cataract of the Nile. It was dedicated to Amun but then to Aten. Another town at Kawa was named Gem pa-Aten . In year 12, army under command of the viceroy (an official who controls city/colony/country) of Kush, Thutmose was sent to Nubia to take down rebels. Recorded on stela at Buhen. The viceroy's tomb biography records, punish the local Nubians for the theft of grain in the Wadi el-Allaqi captured 145 Nubians, 361 head of cattle and impaling of 80 other rebels. Trade There's no signs of interruption during this period. Two Amarna courtiers Huya and Merye II recorded in there tomb, a great ceremony to receive foreign tribute.

Changes to the afterlife

Numerous Osirian beliefs and practices were abandoned.
The hope for an afterlife was replaced with idea of living once only on earth.
Jan Assmann, the nature of Akhenaten's monotheism meant that there was only one time and place, 'the here and now', and no afterlife at all.
A prayer demonstrates the idea of afterlife to only living in earth til death. (Source 33 Assmann 2005)
A prayers for survival for the afterlife however instead of the funerary gods such as Osiris, now directed to Akhenaten.
Another prayer in the tomb of Ay, petitions Akhenaten for 'a life prolonged by thy favours... Grant me pure food which has been placed before thee from the surplus of thy Father Aten every day'.

Amarna burial practices

Burial practices have undergone few changes. Mummification continued in the traditional way.
Heart scarabs, mummification coffins, sarcophagus, shabtis were retained (still used)
Akhenaten badly damaged sarcophagus was recovered from the royal tomb of Akhenaten.
Nefertiti replaces the traditional tutelary (protector/guardian) on each corner.
The inscription about the 'book of the dead' were replaced by Atenist petitions.

Royal tomb

No Amduat scenes or texts (funerary text for the pharaoh.
The badly damaged tomb scenes show Akhenaten and the family worshipping the rising and the setting of Aten.
The badly damaged sarcophagus of Akhenaten, recovered from the royal tomb at Akhenaten, is unique in that Nefertiti replaces the traditional tutelary or protective deities on each corner.
Martin and Luhner suggest that the change in the tomb design to a single, straight corridor may have been allow uninterrupted access to the sun's rays.

Non-royal tomb

Tombs of Amarna nobles featured Akhenaten and the royal family worshipping Aten -\> dependence on Akhenaten for their existence in the afterlife. Meanwhile, traditional representation of the tomb owner at work and place, or joining the gods in scenes from the Book of the Dead.
Tomb reliefs -\> no longer spells from the Book of the Dead to help the decreased enter the afterlife \= absence of other gods
The tomb owner is now depicted as a smaller figure and in a subservient role, either attending upon the royal family or being rewarded by them for services rendered.

Nefertiti political status

Depicted as a warrior-king and fought enemies of Egypt as shown particular blue crown.
Featured prominently in Akhenaten's Heb-sed festival. Carried in palanquin surrounded by kingly symbols in the manner of the pharaoh.
Wore pharaohs traditional crowns and headdresses. - triple atef crown, the cap crown and the Khat headcloth.
Shown handing out treasured gold collars, traditionally a queen stood behind her husband on these occasions.
Neferneferuaten Nefertiti was placed in a double cartouche like that of a king.
Maybe co-regency

Nefertiti religious status

Making offerings together, both held up a ritual sceptre Sekhem sceptre, equal authority.
Hieroglyphs of the God's name were written so they faced her name.
Accompanying her name with words like 'adoration' and 'praise', reserved for a god or a pharaoh
Prayers are directed to her and Akhenaten on stelae at Akhetaten. In the royal tomb wall paintings shown Aten presenting the ankh.
Usual phase 'He who found the Aten' became 'She who found the Aten'
On sarcophagi and canopic chest of the Amarna nobles and that of Akhenaten himself, Nefertiti's images replaced those of the protective goddesses - Isis, Nephthys, Selket and Neith (founded in each corner)

Issues with co-regency

Later years of Akhenaten's are 'filled with puzzles and problems, ... new reconstructions keep surfacing for these eventful but poorly documented years.'
Akhenaten's chief wife and consort, happy marriage, regarded her as his equal.
Her disappearance from the historical record is puzzling.
Numerous theories of her co-regency
called Ankhkheperure Neferneferuaten as evidence of a co-regency between Akhenaten and Nefertiti
Reeves supports: Year 12 scenes from Huya and Meryre II's tombs, showing the ceremonies surrounding a great receipt of tribute, record an early stage of Nefertiti's elevation to the co-regency
Less agreement with the theory that she eventually reigned as Smenkhare after her husband's death
Identify and even the gender of Smenkhare are debated by scholars
Nefertiti's epithets were also used by Smenkhare
Unfinished stela belonging to a soldier named Pase, showing two kings, usually believed to be Akhenaten and a male co-regent, is now thought to depict Akhenaten and Nefertiti as co-regents.

Role of the royal family

Amarna royal family is arguably better recorded than other Egyptian family.
Formal representation of the kings and he's mother.
Akhenaten was inspired by both personal and religious motives, by showing aspect of the theme 'living in truth'
Akhenaten, Nefertiti and their daughters are shown in numerous reliefs.
Other members of the extended family played influential roles.
Daughters formed a part of a divine triad with their parents. Also daughters dynastic role is less clear.
Evidence suggests that Akhenaten attempted to secure the succession by engendering a male heir with one or more of his own daughters. Uncommon practice in Egypt (mating with his child).
Queen's Tiye diplomatic role in her husband's reign, conducting correspondence with the Mitannian king, Tushratta.
After year 12, no further evidence of the king's three younger daughters and in year 14 tragedy struck, with the death of Akhenaten's second daughter Meketaten, Queen Tiy and possible Kiya, whose names disappeared from the records.

Revolutionary

A threat to Amun-priesthood
Elite upper class was impacted
Replaced of festivals, personal worship
Took away key fact of the religion (afterlife)
Temples revenues to Amarna
Building programs and artistic innovation.
Decline of moral and confidence towards the latter part of his reign.

Unrevolutionary

Did not impact ordinary people
Disaffected group increased
Loss of parts of Egypt's Asiatic territory.
Did not fill the concept of Ma'at
Failed: Atenism, message to gain widespread
Most of the countries who serve the him abandon him.

Assessing His life and reign

Thoughts: his efforts to impose his policies were failure, causing chaos and destruction. His changes had little effect on the people at large and that they carried on regardless Believed that Egypt remained more or less stable and prosperous. 'Living in the truth of Ma'at, he did not fulfil the traditional concept. His religious experiment failed. Atenism offered little to the people who wanted comfort of a god. Akhenaten's message was just too austere (very simple and uncomfortable) to gain widespread support. THe worship of the Aten did not become widespread throughout Egypt. Its practice was limited predominantly to Akhenaten and focused on the royal family. The new religion took away important features of the ordinary people's social life: participation in the celebrations and feasting of the cult festivals. Also the concept afterlife was removed. Most of the courtiers who served the king in Akhetaten were not totally committed, paying only lip service to the new doctrine and abandoning it after his death. Since Akhenaten had concentrated his teaching exclusively upon himself as the only one who knew the Aten, was doomed to perish when he died. During he's 17-year reign, Akhenaten faced no rebellion and was not deposed

Akhenaten remained a city for another 20 years after his death. Unpopularity of he's new doctrine can be judged by the actions of those who came after him, such as Horemheb, in destroying the memory of the 'great heretic' as they returned Egypt to orthodoxy (accepted theory). Akhenaten's building programs, first at Karnak and subsequently at Akhetaten, and the artistic innovations. According to Hornung, his religious changes had a stimulating influence on the spiritual history of Egypt.

Legacy

Little associated with the reign of Akhenaten survived.
Disappeared from the historical record for millennia.
Rediscovered in the 19th century
Modern era: he has been recruited to monotheism as well as to nature and mystic cult.
Legacy down to the 19th Dynasty:
Worship of the Aten along with the ban on the on the remainder of the gods and denial of an Osirian afterlife were immediately abandoned.
Traditional gods were restored, new priesthoods were established, worked on temples.
Not all Akhenaten's accomplishments disappeared. King Tut and Ay had a cautious attempt to carry on he's work.
Oppression of the poor, widespread corruption among high officials, robbery, exploitation by royal inspectors and soldiers, extortion (getting money in a violent manner) and legal abuses. Blamed on the laxity (neglectfulness) of Akhenaten's rule.
Some 20 years after the death of Akhenaten:
Horemheb, a great powerful pharaoh, issued an edict to deal with the deplorable conditions.
Reformed the army and began a wholesale dismantling and destruction of the buildings and destruction of the buildings and sites dedicated to the Aten.
Akhetaten was raced to the ground, not a single block of stone remained on another.
The sun temples at Karnak, Memphis and Heliopolis were dismantled.
Destroyed all reminders of the cult of the sun-disk and incorporating them into his own constructions.

Ancient interpret

Controversial similar to Hatshepsut - all of his monuments and statues were destroyed also 'removed from history.
19th Dynasty: Akhenaten referred to as "Heretic" and "that criminal of Akhetaten" (by Pharaohs such as Ramesses I)

Modern interpret

At least 25 novels
A play by Agatha Christie
Five movies
Source for various musical compositions
Argument between revolutionary or reactionary or non
Also whether he was a failure or not

Amarna letter - value \= positive

Primary sources
Foreign relationships
Egypt's dominance
Undamaged
Supports wall reliefs in temples regarding foreign policy
Helps dates other artefacts
Shows trade/tribute
Proves Akhenaten did have a foreign policy

Amarna letter - limitation \= negative

No replies
Non dates - order
Bias
Cuneiform - lost in translation
Misinterpretation
Damage
Unaddressed

Problems and impacts on Amarna letter

One Sided: No context, Nature of relationship

Damaged: Full message - Don't have, Loss of meaning

Ordering/Dating/Time period: Historians assumptions, Dates could be linked to ruler + Foreign policy

Interpretation:Meaning change with who interprets it, Don't know jargon

Not recipient

Lose contextual meaning , Don't known if it was for Akhenaten

Letter vs other sources

288 \= Egypt had a port in Nubia, which Nubia destroyed
Vs
Stela at Buhan: Would Egypt give Military support to them after destruction - ordering/ date issue.

Reliefs of Nefertiti + captives
Military relief of Akhenaten
\=
Nubia + Egypt \= Friends
Egypt gave military support to Nubia Egypt is involved in conquest, diplomacy

Chronological order

1. Amenhotep III

2. Amenhotep IV/Akhenaten

3. Smekheren

4. Tutankhamun

5. Ay

6. Horemheb

7. Ramesses I

8. Seti I

9. Ramesses II

North - east influence

Palestine
Egypt 'sphere of influence'
Vassal towns and their princes gave allegiance
Vassal paid taxes in return for protection

Syria
Territory desired by Hatti
Trade corridor to sea ports
Unstable through this period

Naharin - land of Mitanni
Peaceful relations maintained by treaty and diplomatic marriage

Hatti - land of Hittites
Hittite destabilisation in Syria - Palestine
Warfare between Egypt and Hittites 19th dynasty
Peace treaty
Diplomatic marriages to Princesses

South

Nubia
Exploited mineral resources - gold, amethyst, copper
Mining controlled by forts and walled towns
Regular military raids
Rebellions brutally suppressed - many taken prisoner or killed.

West

Libya
Problems caused by Libyan border incursion in 19th dynasty
Invasion of Nile Delta
Fortresses built along Mediterranean coast

Amenhotep III (AmIII) Religious policy

Maintenance and development of Amun as chief state god.
Claims direct descent from Amun in divine birth scenes
Increased emphasis on solar deities - Nekhbet, Amun and Thoth solarised.
Development of interest in the Aten
Deification in Nubia
Deification as the Aten

AmIII Administration

Talented officials:
Amenhotep, son of Hapu - in charge of recruiting civil and military workers as well as supervision of buildings
Viziers - Ptahmose, Ramose, Amenhotep and Aper-el
Kheruef - Tiye's steward
Amenhotep and Merymose - King's sons of Kush

AmIII foreign policy

Nubia - one campaign in year 5 led by Mermose
Syria - Palestine - no recorded campaigns
Diplomatic marriages - Two Mitanni princesses, two Babylonian princesses and one Arzawa Princess
Diplomatic relations with neighbouring rulers - Babylonian, Assyria, Mitanni, Arzawa, Hittites
Diplomatic relations with vassal states - Amurru, Byblos, Palestine
Trade with Aegean cities -Mycenae, Phaestos and Knossos appear on statue bases

AmIII royal women

Tiye (great royal) - daughter of Yuya and Thuya
Tiye deified in her own temple at Sedeinga (Nubia)
Diplomatic marriages to Mitanni princesses Gilukheppa and Tadukhepa and other princesses from Babylonian and Arzawa.
Sitamun - daughter and later wife of Amenhotep II indicated by her title 'Great royal wife'
Other daughters of Amenhotep III, Henuttaneb, Nebetiah and Isis had titles - 'King's wife

AmIII highlight of the reign

Wild animal hurts - recorded on wild bull hunt scarab
Three Sed festivals - years 30, 34 and 37, celebrated at Malakata palace
First known burial of an Apis bull is carried out by son, Thutmose, high priest of Ptah

AmIII Historiographical Issues

Co-regency with Akhenaten
Promotion of Atenism
Deification as the Aten
Effectiveness of foreign policy

AmIII buildings

Major buildings include:
Mortuary temple
Luxor temple
Karnak - third pylon, beginning of tenth pylon, shrines of Mut and Ma'at
Temples in Nubia
Malkata Palace, lake and harbour at Birket Habu - Western Thebes
Tomb in the valley of the king

Amarna revolution

Amenhotep IV changed his name to Akhenaten.
Refused Amun-re and traditional religion, attempted to destroy the cult by withdrawing funds from its temples.
Ordered the removal of all gods and goddess.
New temples was Aten's only.
Moved the capital from Thebes to Akhetaten.
Neglected foreign policies and lost relationships with other empires.
Exclusive cult of Aten, only Akhenaten could pray to him.
(Whole Akhenaten case study)

Failure of Amarna revolution

On/before/after the Amarna period movements were made to restore the traditional customs.
After his successor Smenkhkare, Tutankhamun's reign created a policy of tolerance for the Aten cult was no doubt considered necessary.
Reasons of Failure
Changes were too radical
Religious ideas were too abstract - Ordinary people could have no personal relationship with the gods.
Lack of widespread support
No designated heir - died he could ensure the continuation of his cult.
Lack of afterlife beliefs
Hostility of Amun Priesthood

Post- Amarna (PA) Tutankhamun

Restored traditional religious practices.
Return to traditional Osirian burial practices.
Changes: his name and queens name (Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun), moved the capital back to Memphis.
Osirian burial practices
Tutankhamun's Restoration Stela, could be restoration or propaganda on the part of the new regime is difficult to determine.
Source 11

PA Horemheb

Intent on destroying remains of the Amarna 'revolution', dismantle the Aten Temples and made it clear that Aten was the physical form of the sun god.
Coronation Text - during Opet Festival, appointed priest in the army to work in the newly temples.
The Great Edict - inscribed on a stela from Karnak Temple, records measures undertaken to eliminate corruptions.
However the people feel the Edicts refers to problems that arose during Tutankhamun's reign.
Source 13

PA Seti I

Majority of the restoration of the traditional cult temples, as well construction of new ones.
Restored original inscriptions and supervised the re-carving of the names and images of Amun that was chiselled.
Temple at Abydos was dedicated to Osiris, Isis, Ptah, Re-Horakhty, Horus, Amun and Setu himself as a god.
A relief and inscriptions recording all of his predecessors.

PA Ramesses II

claimed divine descent from Amun seen in reliefs in the Ramesseum.
Additions to Amun's temples at Luxor and Karnak.
Temple at Abu-Simbel however dedicated to Re-Horakhty Adjacent temple built for his wife, Nefertari was dedicated to goddess Hathor.
Foreign gods were also recognised especially for the Hittite Peace-Treaty \= Sutekh was a variation god of Seth.
Astarte was a fertility goddess worshipped by the Phoenicians.
Temples
Foreign gods temples constructed in his new capital at Pi-Ramesse.

Political and religious building programs (PRBP) Amenhotep III

Temple of Luxor
East bank of Nile River
Two 25 m obelisks

Pylon of Rameses II: shows
Battle of Kadesh
Rameses II riding chariot over dying enemies
Amenhotep III colonnade: shows
Feasts of Amun: religion
Avenue of Sphinxes

This road used in Opet Festival
To mark celebration of the Opet festival

Reinforced significance of Warrior Pharaoh and kingship

Akhenaten's religious changes- the court fitted out on 'the pharaohs orders' with a 'solar court'.
showcase the connection between Gods and the pharaoh. Scenes shoe the 'divine birth' scene and used for Opet festival.
Amenhotep III colonnade: shows Feasts of Amun

PRBP Akhenaten

\> The city of Akhetaten
\> The establishment of Aten temples at Karnak

\> The Great Temple to Aten
\> Boundary steales
\> Colossal statues of Akhenaten and Nefertiti holding tablets to Aten
\> The King's House
\> The Mansion to the Aten
\> The Great Place of State Receptions
\> \> Northern and Southern Suburbs
\> Police Barracks
\> Archives office

\> Acted as a starting point for the reforms and instating of Aten as a imperially recognised god
\> Worked as the new capital under Akhenaten with administration, religion and its cultural heart now residing there
\> Acted primarily as a city for the elites shows a segregation from tradition, authority and egyptian society
\> New point of administration with the conduction of barracks, military, diplomatic and foreign reception taking place among its borders
\> Established Akhenaten (and Nefertiti) as the highest power, outside of Aten, and reinstated the traditional receptions and customs of Pharaohs and their place in Egypt
\>city being primarily made up of religious buildings and testimonies
\> Its position and border inscriptions
\> Change in the erection of temples and who they were directed to impacting custom and tradition - creating name for self and going against the polythesic ideals

PRBP Tutankhamun

Colonnade in Luxor Temple

-61 meters long
- 28 twenty-one-foot-high columns
-features hieroglyphic text
-wall inscriptions and artistic features ( wall reliefs )
-sandstone as main material + paint for details

PRBP Ay

Akhmim

Rock-cut shrine, scared building excavated from solid rock
Monument
Hasn't been defaced
Shrine

PRBP Horemheb

Hypostyle Hall
Karnak

Horemheb's Great Edict Stela
Largest temple/ open space

Temple

PRBP Ramesses I

Chapel of Ramesses I
Abydos
Was dedicated to Ramesses by Seth

PRBP Seti I

Temple of Abydos
L -Shaped layout, only Seti I temple is well preserved. Osiris temple and Rameses II temple is still remaining.
Two courtyards leading towards the main entrance. Abydos King list includes: had the names of 76 pharaohs and three rows of 38 cartouches on each row. Unfit Pharaohs such as King Tut and Hatshepsut was not included.
Worships
Festivals like the Orisian festival.
Was done to renovate Egypt afters Akhenaten's ruling.
Temple at Abydos was dedicated to Osiris, Isis, Ptah, Re-Horakhty, Horus, Amun and Seti himself as a god.

PRBP Ramesses II

Abu Simbel
The great temple stands 98 feet tall and 115 feet long with four seated colossi flanking the entrance two to each side depicting Ramesses II on his throne each one 65 feet high.
Used as a symbol to remember the king and the queen after their victory of the battle of kadesh.
Used as a temple to worship the goddess Hathor and carries multiple depictions of his wife Nefertari
They serve as a lasting monument to the king and his queen Nefertari, and commemorate his victory at the battle of Kadesh.

Significant of 19th dynasty (to the death of Ramesses II)

Followed a policy that promoted many gods.
Amun was still prominent but shared his position with other deities.
Seti I, 2nd king of the 19th dynasty, was responsible for majority of the restoration of the traditional cult temples, restored original inscriptions and supervised the re-carving of the names and images of Amun that has been chiselled away.
Seti's temple at Abydos was dedicated to Osiris, Isis, Ptah, Re-Horakhty, Horus, Amun and Seti himself as a god. Also famous King List, a relief and inscription recording all of his predecessors.
Horemheb name replaced Akhenaten and Ay.
Ramesses II claimed divine descent from Amun - Reliefs in the Ramesseum.
Made additions to Amun's temples at Luxor and Karnak, his temple at Abu-Simbel. However was dedicated to Re-Horakhty and adjacent temple built for his wife - Nefertari was dedicated to the goddess Hathor.
Foreign gods were also recognised - temples to Sutekh and Astarte in his new capital at Pi-Ramesse.
Sutekh \= Seth
Astarte \= fertility goddess worshipped by Phoenicians
Peace treaty

Tiye

Reign of Amenhotep III
Great royal wife
Marriage recorded on a series of marriage scarabs issued by the kings. These amulets shaped like scarab beetles
She is shown with king's attributes, tomb of steward, shown as sphinx, trampling enemies.
Depicted as a goddess, involved in diplomatic affairs,

Nefertiti

Important and controversial queen
Shown in the Hewet-benben at East Karnak, temple devoted entirely to her worship of the Aten, made offerings to the gods
Traditional pharaonic poses of 'smiting the enemy' and trampling enemies as a sphinx.
Driving her own chariot, accompanying her husband in worship
Scenes of intimate family life
Could have been Smenkhkare

Ankhesenamun

Portrayed as a small child in domestic scenes from the reigns of her parents.
Also depicted on a funerary goods of her husband - Tutankhamun.
Reveals her religious roles in the rebirth of Tut and her association with goddess Hathor.
Attempted to play a political role in Egypt's affairs.

Nefertari

'She, for whom the sun shines'
However did not attain the kind of influence.
Played important religious and diplomatic roles in her husband's reign.
Officiating jointly with him in religious ceremonies on the walls of a shrine at Gebel - el-Silsila. Accompanied Ramesses II on royal possessions up the Nile.
Depicted next to her husband in reliefs at Karnak and Luxor.
Provided with exquisitely painted tomb in the Valley of the Queens.
Ramesses II dedicated an entire temple to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor next his temple at Abu Simbel.
Nefertari exchanging greetings with the Hittite queen, Pudukhep

19th dysnasty official

Paser, Vizier, Seti I and Ramses II, governed Thebes during their reign.

18th dynasty officials

Amenhotep - Son of Hapu, Vizier/Overseer, Amenhotep III, Responsible for the construction temple at Soleb and Karnak and king's monumental structure at Thebes. He was rewarded for service, king allowed a statue of Amenhotep to be made. Buried near, Amenhotep III at Qurret Murai.

Maya, Treasurer, Tutankhamun, Ay and Horemheb, Treasurer, in charge of finance

Ay, King after Tutankhamun death, Akhenaten than Tutankhamun, Featured in Kings Tut tomb - tomb and mortuary temple at Thebes. Had in private tomb in Valley of Kings.

Rib-Abbi of Byblos

Amarna Letter storytellers the event of Rib-Abbi and Aziru of Amurru.
The Amarna letters are clay tablets written in cuneiform script. Shows valuable insights of Egypt's administration.

Aziru works with the Hittani king, Rib Abbi notices and warns Akhenaten, He ignores, Ribo is assassinated, Akhenaten is like 'oh damn' and brings Aziru to Egypt, he delayed a bit but arrives, he was detained for several days, once he returned he finally renounce his alliance with Egypt, bowing to greater force, became a vassal of Hittite empire.

Image of the 'Warrior pharaoh'

Typically was shown as 'Trampling Enemies' on chariot (war)
Imperialistic nature
Political and religious statement
Elite athlete and sportsman
18th were 'warrior pharaohs but mostly focuses on foreign relations/marriages and diplomacy'
Divine upholder for ma'at
Earthy, vulnerable being who battle alongside with his troops
Superior and traditional pharaonic poses

Imperial rulers: 19th dynasty
Ramesse 1st
Seti 1st
Ramesses II

Iconography

leading his soldiers into battle and returning in victory
attacking the enemy in his chariot, a New Kingdom innovation
wearing war regalia, for example the blue war crown or other pharaonic headdress
in larger than life-size depiction, holding one or more of the enemy with one hand, while he
clubs their brains out with a mace - also known as 'smiting the enemy'
in the guise of a sphinx, trampling his enemies
offering the spoils of war to the god Amun, the inspiration for his victory.

Mitanni

Early 18th Dynasty Mitanni were the strongest power in the north and formed powerful alliances with the towns of Syria, strategically important town of Kadesh. It was futile for the Egyptians to dominate northern Syria. Amenhotep II sought peace with Mitanni (plus diplomatic marriages), Amenhotep III also ensured peace gather benefits of foreign trade free from the burden of constant warfare. Changes to an aggressive new power - Hittites. Amenhotep III - Tushratta diplomat: Amenhotep III marriages both Gilukhepa and Tadukhepa (sister and daughter to Tushratta, also Babylonian, Arzawa and Syrian princesses - Amarna Letters.

Hittite

were Modern day Angolo and Iraq.

Society:
Religious - Deities sun god and weather \= solar deities
Military - iron and bronze weapons, chariots
Agriculture - Animal husbandry
1160 BCE the empire died out.
Monarchical rule: King Muwatalli II vs Ramesses II
Historian for Hittites \= Trevor BRYCE

Hittites were to the North of Syria. Was a major threat.

Hittite expansion

peace was threaten for the greater part of Amenhotep III's reign towards the end. Suppiluliumas succeed Hittite throne. He's accession makes the beginning of a period of aggressive Hittite expansion. Mitanni kingdom was overpowered and the Hittites moved into north Syria. They also threatened Egyptian interests by trying to detach the vassal princes from their Egyptian overload.

Suppiluliumas double game

clever strategies. When Akhenaten become pharaoh. Suppiluliumas congratulated him on his accession. Declared he's friendship with Egypt and sent appropriate gifts. Same time, avoiding any direct military attack on Egypt's vassals in Syria or on the Phoenician coast, prepared to attack the Mitanni Kingdom. He aimed to win over Egypt's vassals by diplomacy or warfare.

Akhenaten's Hittite war

evidence on talatat from East Karnak temples, recovered from the fill within second and ninth pylons of Karnak Temple, indicates he did fight a war against the Hittites. Occurred somewhere between year 1 and 4 of his reign. Talatat shows Akhenaten riding in an army procession and also killing prisoners, with Aten's ray shining on him. Block recorded sieges against two cities, Hittite and the other Syro-Palestinian/ a group of Hittite soldiers is depicted within the walls of fortified city, being attacked by Egyptian forces.

War of Seti I

Aimed to reassert Egypt's influence in Syria-Palestine also need for resources for building programs of restoration and personal promotion, reopened old mines and quarries.
Wars in Asia - displayed in scenes at the north wall of the Great Hypostyle hall in Karnak temple (not depicted in chronological order) \= 5 campaign carefully planned to Retjenu then to Northern Syria. According to Egyptologist Raymond Faulkner, Seti captured Kadesh and reclaimed Amurru but soon retired, so he wrote a peace treaty and lost the two counties again. He wasn't able to assured Egyptian dominance to Northern Syria.
Libyan war, invasion of Libyan tribesmen which conducted for 2 years of Seti's reign, was successful.

War of Ramesses II

Wars in Asia, first major campaign into Syria took place in year 4 of his reign, some 10 years after Ramesses I. Amurru was regained, gave him a convenient base for Kadesh. Suppiluliumas' successor, Muwatallis assembled a high army to fight Egypt in attempt to regain Amurru. Ramesses led his army. - scene of the Battle of Kadesh, which took place in year 5 of his reign.
Battle of Kadesh, strategically important, fought over many times.
G. Callender and M. Lichtheim \= Egyptologist

Battle of Kadesh - Course

Pharaoh Ramses II
Making regular inclusion into Egyptian territory for some time and now fortified Kadesh. Become a threat that nuisances.
Horemheb initiated more aggressive policy against the Hittites and secured Egypt's borders but never conclusively resolved.
Per-Ramesses to drive the Hittites from Kadesh and break the strength of their army.
According to some reports: Ramesses II captured some other spies who revealed the unpleasant truth of his situation but the intelligence came too late. his zeal to capture Kadest and conquer the Hittite King. Ramesses separated with his camp, that camp was crashed by the Hittites.
Describes his situation in a Poem of Pentaur.

Battle of Kadesh - Background and battle itself

Akhenaten (1353 - 1336 BCE) of the 18th dynasty but he had failed to reply to Hitties activity.
Akhenaten's general Horemheb (reign as a pharaoh 1320-1292 BCE) campaigned unsuccessfully against the Hittites.
Hittites grown more powerful and was bold enough to fortify regions on or near Egypt's borders.

Two Bedouin spies brings false information, Bedouin wants to join the Egyptian forces "They are in the lands of Kaleb" - Lichtheim
Muwatallis sets trap at Kadesh - Lichtheim
Egyptian advance at Kadesh - Lichtheim
Captured Hittites spies and reveals ambush plans - Lichtheim
Hittites attack - Lichtheim
Ramesses saves the day - Lichtheim
Reinforcements to the rescue - Callender
Stalemate at Kadesh - Lichtheim

Battle of Kadesh - consequences

Both sides claim victory, For Ramesses was hiss finest hour. Shown in texts and reliefs that were inscribed prominently on the walls of several temples throughout Egypt at Abu Simbel, Karnak, Luxor, the Ramesseum and at Abydos. For Hittites shown in own cuneiform tablets at Hattusas (Hittite capital), to Hattusilis (heir to Muwatallis) Ramesses was conquered at Kadesh and forced to retreat. \= Egypt had failed to regain Kadesh and Amurru.

Battle of Kadesh - other campaign afterwards

Egyptian influence was limited to Palestine, Syria was controlled by Hittites. Ramesses II campaigned on several occasions in Palestine - responding to rebellions. He's armies pushed the Shasu Bedouin out of Canaan. Towns of East Palestine was back under Egyptian control. Hiss attempts to dominate Northern Syria (traditionally allied to Hittites) came to nothing. Tried to recapture Dapur and Tunip (towns) but nothing. 'Conquered, Lose, reconquer'. After 11 years Ramesses seems to resigned to maintain the close Asian territories.