Akhenaten: Egypt's False Prophet

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Nicholas Reeves challenges the traditional view of Akhenaten, presenting him as a cynical ruler who used religion for political gain. He offers new insights into his reign and the mysteries surrounding his death.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

One of history's most captivating and divisive figures, Akhenaten, has left an indelible mark on the world like no other Egyptian pharaoh. Renowned as a heretic, Akhenaten aimed to impose the worship of a singular deity—the sun—upon Egypt and its people, thereby transforming the country in every conceivable way. In this highly accessible and thought-provoking re-examination, Nicholas Reeves challenges the prevailing perception of Akhenaten, offering a fresh perspective on the tumultuous events of his seventeen-year reign. Reeves contends that Akhenaten, rather than being the visionary founder of a new faith, cynically exploited religion for purely political purposes, seeking to reassert the king's authority. Supported by abundant archaeological and documentary evidence, Reeves' meticulously written narrative sheds light on numerous perplexing questions that have puzzled scholars for generations. These include the enigma surrounding Tomb 55 in the Valley of the Kings, the fate of Akhenaten's beloved wife, Nefertiti, and the identity of the enigmatic successor, Smenkhkare. Additionally, Reeves explores the intriguing theory that Tutankhamun, Akhenaten's son and rightful heir, was tragically assassinated.

The reign of Akhenaten, the fifth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty, was marked by significant religious and political upheaval. During his seventeen-year rule, Akhenaten abandoned the traditional polytheistic worship of Egypt's many gods and goddesses in favor of the worship of a single deity—the sun. This change in religious ideology was a radical departure from the established norms of Egyptian society and was met with opposition and controversy.

One of the most notable aspects of Akhenaten's reign was the construction of a new capital city, Akhetaten, which was located in the Nile Delta. The city was designed to reflect the worship of the sun and was adorned with elaborate temples and monuments dedicated to the god. Akhenaten also commissioned the creation of a new form of writing, known as hieroglyphics, which was used to record his religious beliefs and policies.

Despite the religious and political changes that Akhenaten instituted, his reign was not without its challenges. The king faced opposition from conservative elements within Egyptian society, who saw his religious reforms as a threat to their traditional beliefs and practices. Akhenaten's wife, Nefertiti, was also marginalized by the king, who favored his younger daughter, Tutankhamun.

Akhenaten's reign came to an end with his death in 1336 BC. Tutankhamun, who succeeded him, reversed many of the religious and political changes that Akhenaten had instituted and restored traditional Egyptian worship. However, the legacy of Akhenaten's reign continued to influence Egyptian society for centuries to come.

In conclusion, Akhenaten is a fascinating and complex figure in Egyptian history. His reign marked a significant shift in religious and political ideology and was met with opposition and controversy. Despite the challenges that he faced, Akhenaten's legacy continues to be studied and debated by scholars and historians today.

Weight: 246g
Dimension: 194 x 121 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500294697