Akhnaton

Akhnaton

Akhnaton was undoubtedly one of the most interesting figures of ancient Egypt, because he opened the way to "one of the most astounding religious revolutions staged in the ancient orient; The Atenian revolution."(Larousse 52) The Atenian revolution took place in the eleventh century B.C. through the inspiration and guidance of Amenophis IV (Akhnaton). Amenophis IV later changed his name to Akhnaton literally meaning Effective spirit of He who is devoted to Aten. Akhnaton was the first pharaoh to introduce the idea of monotheism. He did not only introduce the thought he forced the theory. Akhnaton was even said to have "broke completely with the Theban clergy: he closed Amun's temples and defaced the images and inscriptions that referred to the god whose very memory he wished to efface."(52) Akhnaton was so involved with his cult he dicided to make this rupture with the traditional cults final by moving his court and adepts to a new city, which was to become his capital as well as the center of the cult of his god. This town he called Akhetaton, which means Horizon of Aten. Akhnaton Was very pleased with this new city strictly devoted to his god. Akhetaton developed rapidly and acquired solar temples, palaces and residential districts. The priests however were not so pleased with the Atenian revolution, because if this revolution were to happen, then they would be out of a job. Soon after his death his opponents reinforced the old religion and life continued as it did for centuries before that. Even his son Tutankaton changed his name to Tutankhamen, as we know of him today. Although his religion died with him, the memory of Akhnaton will live on throughout history.