Akhenaten - the famous heretical Pharaoh of ancient Egypt

Pharaoh Akhenaten or Amenhotep IV is the one who converted Egyptian religion from polytheism to worship a single god named Aten.

According to Ancient Origins, pharaoh Thutmose IV, Akhenaten's grandfather, married the daughter of the Mitanni king. Perhaps this marriage contributed to the exogenous element of Egyptian religion, prompting Akhenaten to develop heresy.

Tuthmose IV began to worship the sun god Heliopolis, against the Egyptian god Amun-Ra. Priests worshiping Amun-Ra said they were part of Ra. This helps them to hold great power. Through gods, they not only controlled the country of Egypt but also controlled the kings.

At the throne, pharaoh Amenhotep III, Akhenaten's father, displayed his political power by taking a noble named Ramose to replace his predecessor's position. He gradually surpassed priests, having a positive impact on domestic religious divisions. This affected the members of the Royal Family and Akhenaten began the reign of rule with the same goals and ideals as his father.

Akhenaten worshiped Aten.(Photo: Ancient Origins).

Akhenaten built the temple in Karnak, decorated the south entrance with the image of him worshiping Ra. At the same time, he also built a temple dedicated to the god Aten to the east of the main hall. This shows that he understands and respects the legitimacy of Amun-Ra but also defends his own religious stance. He wanted it to be accepted and trusted in Egypt.

Although the temple was dismantled after Akhenaten's death, these ruins show a new Amarna-style art trend. The writing on the walls shows the simultaneous presence of the traditional gods and gods that Akhenaten worshiped.

Akhenaten applied taxes to the temple. This is an unusual thing. Courtiers, aristocrats, craftsmen and merchants all have to pay taxes and taxes are used for Aten shrines.

Akhenaten also left the palace from Thebes to Amarna city. The cause of this move is still a mystery. Most scholars think it was due to the conflict between the priest and the god Amun and Akhenaten.

Akhenaten did not allow the destruction of ancient temples before. His religion did not affect ancient temples. In fact, the ancient Egyptians had no religion. The religion of ancient Egypt always changed when needed, based on long-standing traditions.

Year 12 was an important year in Akhenaten's reign. In that year, the envoys of neighboring countries brought Egypt many tributes and, above all, Akhenaten's religious position began to take effect. Akhenaten not only worshiped the Sun but also understood the role of the Sun in sustaining life.