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Akhnaton Variations on |
Thebes
, Egypt - Aprox. 1350 BCE
Akhnaton or Akhenaton (also known
as Amenophis IV, or Amenhotep IV) was described by Egyptologist
James H. Brested as "...the world's first individual,"
and "the most remarkable figure of the Ancient World
before the Hebrews." There are other historians who
frame a more critical view of this ancient ruler.Like any controversial figure, Akhnaton has proponents and opponents to his importance. It is incontrovertible, however, he made an indelible mark on the history of Egypt. A wide spectrum of views exist regarding the pharaoh, within which he is seen as the catalyst of either a heresy, cultural revolution, religious reformation or the decline of Egyptian dynasty. As more is learned of this period in history, it becomes possible to see some truth within each of these perspectives. The focus here is an objective one, outlining the immediate era, and Akhnaton's role within the 18th Dynasty.
Egyptian
dynasties were theocratic, ruled by a god or gods. The most
powerful of the dieties was Amon, who dictated the purpose of the state.
The king would apply to the gods for oracles directing major activities.
In return, for the prestige of being pharaoh, the king relinquished his
religious and military authority to others.
Due to the spread of the Egyptian
empire, the differences between the foreign lands and
Egypt began to blur. Egyptian culture and religion was exported,
and their gods and goddesses had temples in other counties.
Foreign gods were introduced into Egypt. All dieties became
universal, gods were combined. Amon and Re
became Amon-Re. This allowed Egyptians to think of
their gods as unified forces, perhaps the prelude to Monotheism.
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| 'This much is known:
the religious reform of Akhnaton was abolished, his line died out, and
his palace and his city were abandoned; but history professes not to know
the personal fate of Akhnaton and of the epigoni that followed on the
throne of Egypt, nor what happened during the anarchy which followed or
which may also have preceded the end of this glorious dynasty.' - Immanuel Velikovsky, 'The Assyrian Conquest' |
 Blessed by the Aton  Queen Nefertiti In Communion With the Aton  A contemporary Catholic image bearing strong similarity to the Aton. St. John the Divine New York City |
Pharaoh
did not immediately terminate the incumbent cult of Amon, which lasted
about four years into Akhnaton's reign. Slowly, the God Aton, represented
by a disk of the sun began to appear throughout the country. Within several
years this became the symbol of Akhnaton's singular god.
From this point on, throughout Egypt, the
temples of the old gods were shut down. The names and representations
of the god Amon, in particular, were expunged from monuments, temples,
and tomb chapels. Sacred images reposing in the elder shrines were destroyed.
Traditional rituals were abandoned and mythologies were discarded. Everything
was obliterated that was not in accord with Akhnaton's new religion.Within
the first few years as Pharaoh, Akhnaton made many social changes
as well. This era is often referred to as a cultural revolution. All attentions
were dedicated to this new form of sun god. There is evidence that not
all of Akhnaton's religion was new. The Aton had been a little known deity
for at least two generations before him. Its symbol was the solar disk,
extending rays, that ended in hands, bestowing blessings through the Ankh
(the symbol of life). This image was less a physical figure, as a representation
of the life generating power of the sun. Temples were constucted to be
out in the open light. As Pharoah, Akhnaton was the sole physical conduit
of Aton's power on Earth.In
another radical gesture, Akhnaton moved his capital
from Thebes, 200 miles north to a desert area on the east
side of the Nile river. This is known today as Tel-El-armarna.
Here he planned to build a new city called Akhetaton.
- the place of the Aton's effective power. This would become
the first planned city in human history. |
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A debate continues
on the physical characteristics of the royal family. ResourcesRequest Your Free Subscription to: 
18th Dynasty Pharaohs Ahmose 1539 - 1514 Amenhotep 1514 - 1493 Thutmose 1493 - 1482 Thutmose II 1482 - 1479 Thutmose III 1479 - 1425 Hatshepsut 1479 - 1458 Amenhotep II 1426 - 1400 Thutmose IV 1400 - 1390 Amenhotep III 1390 - 1353 Amenhotep IV Akhenaten 1353 - 1335 Semenekhkare 1335 - 1332 Tutankhamon 1332 - 1323 Ay 1323 - 1319 Horemheb 1319 - 1294 |
The
Pharaoh gave total freedom to his architects. They were able to give
free rein to their creative powers. They responded by revolutionizing
their technique and art. Sculptors explored the play of light and shadow,
and combined different materials to achieve new textures. Human subjects
sprang to life, and were rendered close to their natural form. Gone were
the representations of the god-like ideal forms. Plants and animals came
to life on painted floors and ceramic tiles, or as jeweled ornaments and
glass figurines. This was a time of true free expression of the gifts
of the Aton, the god of life.Akhnaton's
religion, Atonism, was a simplistic one, worshiping nature and the
sun. It was without an ethical code, it did not concern itself with rules
for human conduct. People were asked only to be grateful to the Aton for
life and nourishment. It was a complete departure from the old religion,
which was heavy and austere, and would punish for disobedience. It was
an aesthetic and intellectual religion. Yet, not eveyone was pleased with
the changes.
The
kingdoms under Egypt's protection were now threatened. They sent word
to Akhnaton that they needed reinforcements to put off the Hittite advance.
No help was sent to them, and in time, they fell to the Hittites. Although
there is much speculation, no one knows for sure why Akhnaton did not
respond to their needs.Foreign
trade began to fall off due to the conflicts, and internal taxes began
to disappear in the pockets of local officials. Finally, the discontented
priests combined with the army to discredit the new movement. This situation
was told in the Armarna Letters, which were discovered in the ruins of
Tell El-Armarna. These letters show very clearly the disintegration of
the Egyptian Empire under Akhnaton.It
appears that his mother, Queen Tiy stepped in to try to persuade Akhnaton
to re-consider his position. This was in the 12th year of Pharaoh's 17
year reign. There is some evidence that after this visit from Queen Tiy,
Akhnaton did, in fact, modify his views. However, it seems to have been
too late.At
some point, in this uncertain period, Smenkhkara became co-regent
and then Akhnaton's immediate successor. He would reign for only three
years, and there is much mystery surrounding him. He was possibly Akhnaton's
son by a minor wife, and was married to Meritaton, the eldest daughter
of Akhnaton and Nefertiti. It is at this same time that Nefertiti fades
from known history. Whether she died or passed into retirement isn't known.
There is a controversial theory that proposes that Smenkhkara, was none
other than Nefertiti. It is said she adapted the trappings of king, and
reigned as co-regent with Akhnaton. However, recent genetic evidence indicates
that Smenkhkara was a blood relative of the next pharaoh in line, Tutankhamun;
perhaps even his older brother.
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Amenhotep II
Queen Tiy
Tutankhamon,