The Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep IV, better known as Achnaton, was the second son and successor of Amenhotep III. He reigned the New Kingdom from 1353 until 1336 BC. Achnatons lack of interest in the economic well-being of Egypt ushered in a revolutionary period in Egyptian history. His harsh reign induced much suffering under the population. During this period when it was customary for a pharaoh to have many wives, he had taken his cousin Nefertete to reign as queen at his side. An elegant and very beautiful woman, she used her influence to ease the turmoil caused by Achnaton. Combined with her grace, her presence at public functions led to a greater popularity among her subjects than the pharaoh enjoyed himself. Being mostly preoccupied with religious questions, he declared that all the other gods did not exist. There was only one god, the Aten, and it was the sun itself. It was now necessary to change his name: 'Amenhotep' meaning 'the god Amun is satisfied', because he didnt want to be associated with Amun or any of the other deities. He renamed himself 'Achnaton' which means 'servant of the Aten' -- a much more appropriate title! In the sixth year of his reign Achnaton also moved the capital to a brand new city called Achet-Aton ('the Horizon of the Aten') which was where Tel el-Amarna stands today. He did this to further isolate himself from the 'old' religion, since the previous capital Thebes was the centre of worship of Amun. This new religion created an up rise among the population and high priests. In spite of Nefertetes influence, the falling economy and religious conflict resulted in the decline of the Egyptian empire. Hoping to forget it ever happened, people later tried to eradicate all traces of Achnaton and his successors rule by smashing their statues, mutilating their mummies, and ruining their relief carvings. From that moment on he was remembered as the 'heretic king'. This composition was partially funded by the 'Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds'. 09:00
