2024 Ancient History Assessment Task- Akhenaten Lucas Chaar by Lucas Chaar

Akhenaten

23chaar — 2024-05-17 00:56:17 UTC

Akhenaten was an Egyptian Pharaoh who spent 17 years on the throne during the 18th century. Akhenaten was known for his strong religious beliefs and was seen as a figure of Aten (God of the sun). Before changing his name Akhenaten was named Amenhotep IV due to his religious beliefs he changed it to Akhenaten because it means "beneficial to aten". Akhenaten's father was Amenhotep II and his mother was named Tiye. Akhenaten was one of 6 siblings. His siblings were Thumost, Sitamun, Beketaten, Hunettaneb and Nebetna. Akhenaten unfortunately did not have a good reign because of his religious beliefs.

Religious Policy

23chaar — 2024-05-20 09:24:26 UTC

Akhenaten fully abandoned Atun who was the god of the sun, Akhenaten majorly focused on Aten the god of the sun disk. Akhenaten was the first Pharaoh who moved away from polytheism and changed to monotheism. People hated this idea which made him the most hated Pharaoh. Amenhotep II, Akhenaten's father, believed in very similar things but wasn't the first to create a monotheistic religion Akhenaten wore the crown of Khepresh which was blue and seen as statuary. Because of Akhenaten's name change, he hosted a festival which was celebrated every 3 years. This festival had rituals and celebrations.

Buildings & Programs

23chaar — 2024-05-20 09:50:36 UTC

The Temples of Gempaaten were built as a sign of respect to Aten and a spot where people could worship Aten. The temples of Gempaaten didn't have a roof to allow the sun to shine through. Akhenaten built private tombs for family and government workers. The tombs were private and sacred, so not much information was gathered about them. One thing we do know is that the tombs had Akhenaten's hymns written on the walls preaching the god of Aten. Akhenaten was one of Egypt's most creative builders as he implemented a new form of architecture which many other Pharaohs after him utilised but this is overlooked as Akhenaten's buildings were abandoned and not used.

Internal administration - Laws and Policies

23chaar — 2024-05-20 11:02:30 UTC

Akhenaten moved Egypt's capital city to a new and improved place. Akhenaten called the city Amarna, Amarna used impressive building techniques for its time. Akhenaten created a new capital city because he felt the need to make a new place where people could come and worship Akhenaten. Many people hated this major decision. Akhenaten wanted the city of Amarna to be a great city for everyone to prosper. Unfortunately for Akhenaten these plans didn't work out, after his reign the city of Amarna was abandoned and never to be used again.

External Administration - Wars & Conflict

23chaar — 2024-05-21 08:29:59 UTC

During Akhenaten's reign, there were no internal wars. This is interesting due to the dramatic change in religious beliefs which caused many people to dislike him. Akhenaten did have contracts from foreign lands. People tried contracting Akhenaten regarding the Amarna letters that were written north of Egypt and were meant to be given to Akhenaten. Akhenaten seemed to show little to no interest in these letters. We know rulers from foreign Civilizations created these letters for Akhenaten and his people as a sign of international diplomacy. Overall Akhenaten did a great job when interacting with foreign kings saving him and his people out of trouble