Akhenaten and the Beginnings of Monotheism
In nine chapters, James K. Hoffmeier explores the facts and interpretations surrounding Akhenaten's religion. His aim isn't to create a comprehensive study of Akhenaten and his era; instead, he focuses primarily on the religious developments that led to what is considered the earliest form of monotheism in history. Hoffmeier has over forty years of experience with the Amarna period, which includes his involvement in the Akhenaten Temple Project at Karnak in the mid-1970s and his excavations in Northern Sinai from 1999 to 2008. He has a deep understanding of the relevant sources and the various interpretations that have arisen from them. As he states, the goal of his research is to examine Akhenaten's religion with a phenomenological sensitivity and to consider comparative aspects.
Akhenaten (circa 1352 to 1336 BC) is perhaps the most controversial and fascinating pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Our understanding of his reign comes almost entirely from archaeological sources, many of which are fragmented and often damaged. After his reign, he was subject to damnatio memoriae, meaning his monuments were repurposed, and his images and names were systematically destroyed. The unique and almost expressionist representations of Akhenaten and his family in sculpture and relief have sparked various speculations about potential medical conditions. However, his earlier images were created in the conventional Egyptian style, showing no signs of health issues. Initially known as Amenhotep IV, Akhenaten is often referred to as the first monotheist due to his establishment of a new worship centered around the sun disc (Aten), which had previously been associated with the sun god Re. The worship of Aten began in Karnak alongside other cults, but a few years later, Akhenaten founded a new capital in Middle Egypt called Akhet-Aten (Horizon of the Aten; modern-day el-Amarna). This new city allowed him to create a dedicated center for his god without distractions, drawing heavily on the resources of other Egyptian temples.
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