Amarna: A Guide to the Ancient City [Arabic Edition]: دليل للمدينة القديمة أخت آتون

The pharaoh Akhenaten abandoned Thebes and built a new city in Middle Egypt, Akhetaten, devoted to the sun god Aten. Thousands of people moved to Akhetaten, making it the most important city in Egypt, but it was abandoned after Akhenaten's death. Today, Akhetaten is known as Amarna and is the best-preserved pharaonic city in Egypt, with over 150 illustrations, maps, and plans.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

Around three thousand years ago, the pharaoh Akhenaten made a drastic decision that shook the foundations of Egyptian religion and society. He abandoned the worship of the powerful god Amun and embraced a new deity called the Aten. Abandoning his beloved city of Thebes, Akhenaten quickly set about building a grand new capital in Middle Egypt, known as Akhetaten, or Horizon of the Aten. This city was entirely devoted to the worship of the sun god Aten and was designed to reflect his glory.

The grandeur of Akhetaten was evident in its massive open-air temples, which were built to honor the Aten. These temples were adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depicted the god in all his glory. The palaces of Akhetaten were also a sight to behold, with their painted pavements and inlaid wall reliefs that showcased the king's power and wealth.

Akhenaten went to great lengths to create a new royal burial ground deep in a desert valley. His officials worked tirelessly to build elaborate tombs decorated with scenes of the king and his city. These tombs were filled with treasures and were designed to ensure that the king's legacy would live on for generations to come.

As thousands of people flocked to Akhetaten to worship the Aten, it quickly became the most important city in Egypt. However, Akhenaten's reign was not to last. His death in 1334 BC marked the end of his reign and the abandonment of his city. Akhetaten was eventually forgotten, and its ruins lay buried under the sands of the desert for centuries.

It was not until the late 19th century that Akhetaten was rediscovered by archaeologists. Since then, ongoing excavations have revealed the incredible wealth and sophistication of this ancient city. Today, Akhetaten is known as Amarna, a sprawling archaeological site in the province of Minya, halfway between Cairo and Luxor. With its beautifully decorated tombs and vast mud-brick ruins, it is the best-preserved pharaonic city in Egypt.

This informative and richly illustrated guidebook brings the ancient city of Akhetaten to life with a keen insider's eye. Drawing on ongoing archaeological research and the knowledge and insight of Amarna's modern-day communities and caretakers, it explains key monuments and events, while offering invaluable practical advice for visiting the site. With over 150 illustrations, maps, and plans, Amarna is both an ideal introduction for visitors to Amarna and a window onto the extraordinary reign of Akhenaten.

The city of Akhetaten was a remarkable testament to the power and creativity of the pharaohs. Its grand temples, palaces, and tombs showcased the wealth and sophistication of the Egyptian civilization and provide a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of a bygone era. Today, Amarna remains a popular destination for tourists and archaeologists alike, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt.

ISBN-13: 9789776790117
Edition number: Arabic ed.