Overview
This lecture covers the Amarna period in ancient Egypt, focusing on the reign of Akhenaten, his religious reforms, changes in art and architecture, the founding of Akhetaten, and the aftermath of his rule.
Akhenaten’s Reign and Background
- Akhenaten ruled Egypt from around 1353 BC, succeeding his father Amenhotep III.
- He began his reign as Amenhotep IV but changed his name to Akhenaten to honor the Aten (sun-disk).
- His main wife was Nefertiti; they had six daughters, and royal women played a prominent role in art.
Religious Reforms
- Egypt traditionally had a polytheistic religion with many gods linked to places and nature.
- Akhenaten elevated the Aten to the position of sole god, representing it as a sun-disk with rays ending in hands.
- The cult focused on the royal family mediating between the Aten and the people.
- Traditional gods were suppressed; their names and images were removed from temples.
- Hymns to the Aten described the sun’s life-giving power and universal presence.
Amarna Art and Architecture
- Early art under Akhenaten was exaggerated and broke from traditional Egyptian styles.
- The royal family was depicted with elongated skulls and pear-shaped bodies.
- Amarna art showed more naturalistic and everyday scenes compared to traditional, eternal themes.
- Stone blocks and spoken language began to appear in temple construction and inscriptions.
Akhetaten: The New Capital
- Akhenaten founded a new capital, Akhetaten (modern el-Amarna), dedicated to the Aten.
- The city was purpose-built, with open-air temples, palaces, administrative buildings, and workshops.
- Urban planning varied, with wealthy estates and more crowded common areas.
- Akhetaten provides rare archaeological insight into everyday ancient Egyptian life.
Aftermath of Akhenaten’s Reforms
- Akhenaten died after 17 years; his reforms rapidly ended posthumously.
- His successor Smenkhkare had a brief rule, followed by Tutankhamun.
- The traditional gods and capitals were restored, and Akhenaten’s monuments were dismantled or altered.
- Akhenaten and immediate successors were omitted from official king-lists until modern discoveries.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Amarna Period — Era of Akhenaten’s rule, marked by religious and artistic revolution.
- Aten — The sun-disk deity elevated to supreme god by Akhenaten.
- Akhetaten (el-Amarna) — Akhenaten’s new capital city, “Horizon of the Aten.”
- Nefertiti — Akhenaten’s chief wife, depicted often in Amarna art.
- Monotheism — Belief in a single god; Akhenaten’s reforms were near-monotheistic but not strict.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review recommended readings on Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and the Amarna period.
- Study images and examples of Amarna art for exam preparation.
- Visit relevant museum collections, if possible, for further study.