Travelling further ahead in time, I decided to visit another highly influential pharaoh, Akhenaton. He ruled from 1353-1336 BC in the 18th dynasty and was one of the most famous pharaoh's, sparking my interest. I learned that he was once named Amonhotep IV, then changed his name to Akhenaton meaning “He who serves Aton.” I witnessed him attempt a religious revolution, opposing the worship of Amon-Ra (the traditional supreme god) and instead sponsoring worship of god Aton, the sun-disk. I saw him build a new capital city, Akhetaton meaning “Place of the glory of Aton.” He confiscated the possessions of the other temples at Akhetaton and left all the traditional roles of a pharaoh to reside at his new capital. I noted that he was quite motivated by his wife Nefertiti who also sponsored this change, sadly starting the long decline of the Egyptian civilization. Akhenaton was a key figure in the religion of Egypt attempting to change the most famous patron god and start a religious revolution. This change had great impacts due to the nature of religion when it comes to characteristics of civilization.
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| Bust of Akhenaton http://www.azquotes.com/public/pictures/authors/95/ 1a/951a5a2861a0cab45731512401ccb366/53b11daa03057_akhenaton.jpg |
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| Worship of Aton http://www.ancientegyptonline.co.uk/ images/aten2.jpg |
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