Akhenaten's Disruption In Ancient Egypt

Egyptian Disruption In the year 1352 BC a pharaoh named Amenhotep IV came to power in Egypt. He inherited a peaceful nation at the height of its prosperity from his father Amenhotep III. However, he attempted to lead a religious, political and artistic revolution that was so disruptive that he was met with resistance from nearly every level. By the end of his sixteen year reign in 1336 BC he was known as Akhenaten and he had brought his nation to near collapse.
Akhenaten had the fortune of growing up with peace, but unlike most heirs to the throne he spent his childhood hidden from society. His father did not allow him to be seen publicly due to his peculiar look. Akhenaten had a feminine appearance and some physical deformities that …show more content…
Thebes was a beloved city that glorified the Egyptian triumphs. It was filled with grand tombs, temples and monuments that had been built sparing no expense. The new city was built about 200 miles
O’Driscoll 4 north of Thebes and eventually twenty thousand people were brought to live there. These Egyptians were deeply religious people who loved their ancient traditions but weren’t ready for such a radical change.
Another change to their traditions was the artistic inventiveness that Akhenaten encouraged at the new city. There were trees, pools, and gardens. The walls of the buildings were painted in a new style and there was an emphasis on natural imagery. Traditional Egyptian art had been strictly formal and the subjects were always depicted in sharp or exaggerated poses. Human forms were now softer and more realistic. Akhenaten also commissioned personal works that depicted him in more intimate scenes with his family. This unique style did not flatter the king or his family and they were revealed as real people. This was completely unheard of as past pharaohs were only seen in formal poses and depicted in a flattering, regal