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