Akhenaten Notes

Akhenaten

  • Amenhotep IV (1352-1336 B.C.)
  • 18th Dynasty

Early Life and Ascension

  • Son of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiy, born in 1379 BC (38th year of Amenhotep III's reign).
  • Ascended to the throne in 1352 BC.
  • Unconventional: Celebrated the Sed Festival in his 3rd year, rather than after 30 years of rule.
  • Sed Festival: Royal jubilee to reinforce the pharaoh’s divine power.

The Aten and Religious Context

  • During Amenhotep III's reign, the Aten (Sun Disc) was worshipped; Amenhotep III was known as “Dazzling Sun Disc”.
  • The Aten was depicted as a disc with rays ending in hands holding the ankh.
  • Initially, the Aten was considered another manifestation of Amun-Re.
  • Priests of Amun-Re held significant influence and wealth, sometimes exceeding the pharaoh's.

Nefertiti and the Vision

  • Akhenaten’s main wife, Nefertiti, changed her name to Neferneferuaten-Nefertiti.
  • Amenhotep IV had a vision of a sun disc between two mountains.
  • He believed the Aten guided him to build a city between the mountains.
  • Nefertiti supported his vision and later became his co-regent.

Religious Reorganization and Monotheism

  • In the 6th year of his reign, Amenhotep IV rejected the old gods of Thebes.
  • He changed his name to Akhenaten.
  • Established the worship of one god – Aten (monotheism).

New Capital City: Akhetaten

  • Akhenaten built Akhetaten (Horizon of the Aten), a new capital city about 180 miles north of Thebes (modern-day El-Armana).
  • The site was chosen for its lack of prior association with any Egyptian deity.

Layout of Akhetaten

  • City included multiple palaces and temples dedicated to the Aten.

Dissolution of Amun-Re Priesthood

  • With monotheism, priests of Amun-Re lost power, were removed from office, temples closed, and wealth confiscated.
  • Subjects with names referencing Amun-Re were required to change them.
  • Akhenaten and Nefertiti were the sole communicators with the Aten, establishing Akhenaten as a dictator.

Philosophy of Atenism

  • Akhenaten promoted the Aten as a benevolent divinity and nurturer.
  • Temples transitioned from dark, mysterious buildings to spacious courtyards.
  • Art flourished, with hymns composed for the Aten, celebrating equality.
  • The new religion alienated those who wanted to worship the old gods.

Neglect of Foreign Policy

  • Akhetaten reached a population of 10,000.
  • Akhenaten sought a utopian society, but neglected foreign policy.
  • Vassal cities were ignored, leading to loss of territory.
  • Akhenaten's artistic depictions were androgynous, possibly indicative of Marfan’s syndrome.

Mysterious Disappearance of Nefertiti and Appearance of Smenkhkare

  • In 1335 BC, Nefertiti disappeared (presumed dead).
  • Smenkhkare appeared and became Akhenaten’s co-regent.
  • Debate exists regarding Smenkhkare's identity (possibly Akhenaten’s relative or Nefertiti).

Societal Impact and Death

  • An influenza outbreak led many to believe the gods were punishing the kingdom.
  • In 1332 BC, Akhenaten died under unexplained circumstances.
  • Smenkhkare reigned for two years.
  • Tutankhaten (Akhenaten’s son) became pharaoh at age eight or nine and changed his name to Tutankhamun.

Restoration of Old Order

  • Akhetaten was abandoned, and the capital moved back to Thebes.
  • Old gods and priestly offices were reestablished.
  • Akhenaten was labeled the “Heretic Pharaoh”.
  • Temples to the Aten were dismantled and used for other gods.

Erasure from History

  • Akhenaten and Nefertiti’s reign was erased from history.
  • Their names were chiseled from monuments and records.
  • No record of lost territories during his reign was documented.
  • Despite the excavation of The Valley of the Kings, their mummies have not been found.