4.3 Religious developments and the Amarna Period
3 min read•july 19, 2024
The New Kingdom saw major shifts in Egyptian religion. rose to supreme god status, with his priesthood gaining immense power. This was challenged by 's radical reforms, promoting the sun disk as the sole deity.
After Akhenaten's death, traditional polytheism was restored. Religion remained central to Egyptian life, influencing politics, economy, and culture. Temples were hubs of activity, while religious festivals brought communities together.
Religious Developments in the New Kingdom
Rise and fall of Amun
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- Amun, local deity of Thebes, rose to prominence during Middle Kingdom
- Merged with sun god Ra to become , king of the gods
- Theban priesthood gained significant power and influence
- Controlled vast wealth through temple estates and donations
- High Priest of Amun held great authority, sometimes rivaling pharaoh
- Amun's cult reached peak during early New Kingdom
- Pharaohs attributed military victories and successful reigns to Amun's favor ()
- Akhenaten's religious reforms during Period diminished Amun's influence
- After Akhenaten's death, traditional religion restored, Amun regained position as supreme god ()
Religious reforms of Akhenaten
- Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV) introduced new form of worship centered on Aten, the sun disk
- Promoted more monotheistic religion, focusing on Aten as sole god
- Built new capital city, (Amarna), dedicated to Aten
- Akhenaten's reforms challenged traditional polytheistic religion and power of priesthood
- Closed temples dedicated to other gods, particularly Amun
- Confiscated wealth and land from temples
- Art style during Amarna Period depicted royal family in more naturalistic and intimate manner
- Akhenaten, , and daughters shown worshipping Aten
- Akhenaten's reforms largely abandoned after his death, traditional religion restored (Tutankhamun)
Restoration of traditional religion
- Tutankhamun, Akhenaten's successor, reinstated traditional polytheistic religion
- Reopened temples and restored cults of Amun and other gods
- Abandoned Akhetaten and moved capital back to Thebes
- , Tutankhamun's successor, continued restoration process
- Dismantled Akhenaten's monuments, used materials for new building projects
- Issued decrees to return property and wealth to temples
- Later pharaohs sought to erase memory of Amarna Period and Akhenaten's reforms
- Removed Akhenaten's name from king lists and monuments
- Portrayed Amarna Period as time of chaos and disorder
Religion's influence in New Kingdom
- Religion and politics closely intertwined in ancient Egypt
- Pharaohs considered divine intermediaries between gods and people
- Successful reigns and military victories attributed to divine favor ()
- Temples played central role in economy and daily life
- Employed large number of people (priests, scribes, craftsmen)
- Acted as centers of education, medicine, and food distribution
- Religious festivals and ceremonies were important events in lives of Egyptians
- Celebrated gods and pharaoh's divine role ()
- Provided opportunities for public participation and community bonding
- Art and architecture heavily influenced by religious beliefs
- Temples and tombs decorated with scenes depicting gods, mythological events, and afterlife ()
- Statues and reliefs of gods, pharaohs, and religious symbols common in public spaces and private homes (Amun, Horus, ankh)
Key Terms to Review (20)
Akhenaten: Akhenaten was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty known for his radical departure from traditional polytheistic worship to promote the worship of a single deity, Aten, the sun disc. His reign marked a significant period in ancient Egyptian history, known as the Amarna Period, which was characterized by profound religious transformation and artistic innovation.
Akhetaten: Akhetaten was an ancient city established by Pharaoh Akhenaten during the 14th century BCE, known for its radical departure from traditional Egyptian polytheism to the worship of a single deity, Aten, represented by the sun disk. This city, located in modern-day Amarna, served as the capital of Egypt during the Amarna Period and was a focal point for profound religious and artistic transformations.
Amarna: Amarna refers to the period during the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten in ancient Egypt, roughly from 1353 to 1336 BCE, marked by significant religious reform and the establishment of a new capital city called Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna). This era is characterized by the promotion of the worship of Aten, the sun disk, which replaced the traditional polytheistic worship of many gods, leading to a profound transformation in Egyptian religion and culture.
Amun: Amun was a major deity in ancient Egyptian religion, often regarded as the king of the gods and associated with the sun and air. He became particularly prominent during the New Kingdom, especially in the context of the Amarna Period when his worship was challenged by the rise of Atenism under Akhenaten. Amun's significance grew as he was integrated into the worship practices of the state and was often depicted as a ram or a man with a ram's head.
Amun-Ra: Amun-Ra is a significant deity in ancient Egyptian religion, embodying the fusion of two major gods: Amun, the hidden one, and Ra, the sun god. This composite deity emerged during the New Kingdom, particularly in the context of religious developments that occurred during the Amarna Period, when Akhenaten attempted to shift worship towards a single god, Aten. Despite this attempt, Amun-Ra remained a central figure in the pantheon, symbolizing power and creation.
Aten: Aten is the ancient Egyptian sun disk and a central figure in the worship that emerged during the Amarna Period under Pharaoh Akhenaten. This period marked a significant shift from traditional polytheistic practices to a form of monotheism focused on Aten as the sole god, representing a radical transformation in Egyptian religion and art.
Atenism Revolution: The Atenism Revolution refers to the religious transformation initiated by Pharaoh Akhenaten during the 14th century BCE, which promoted the worship of Aten, the sun disk, as the sole god. This radical shift in ancient Egyptian religion marked a departure from traditional polytheism and emphasized monotheism, leading to significant cultural and political changes during the Amarna Period. The revolution sought to establish a new form of worship that centered around the divine nature of the sun, symbolizing a more personal connection between the deity and the followers.
Book of the Dead: The Book of the Dead is an ancient Egyptian funerary text consisting of a collection of spells and illustrations intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife. This text reflects the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Egyptians, emphasizing the importance of moral conduct, judgment, and the journey of the soul after death. Its creation and use were particularly prominent during periods of significant religious transformation, notably during times like the Amarna Period, and it also played a crucial role in cultural achievements related to art, literature, and science.
Cult of Amun: The Cult of Amun was a prominent religious movement in ancient Egypt centered around the worship of Amun, a major deity associated with creation and the sun. This cult gained significant influence during the New Kingdom period, particularly as Amun's identity merged with that of Ra, creating Amun-Ra, the king of the gods. The rise of the Cult of Amun marked a transformative phase in Egyptian religion, especially during the Amarna Period, when traditional beliefs faced challenges from new ideologies.
Divine Kingship: Divine kingship refers to the political and religious concept where a monarch is believed to be chosen by, or representative of, the divine, often embodying a god or possessing divine qualities. This concept served as a foundation for the authority and legitimacy of rulers, establishing their power not just politically but also in a spiritual context, which influenced various civilizations across the ancient Mediterranean.
Horemheb: Horemheb was the last pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt, reigning from around 1323 to 1295 BCE. He is significant for his role in restoring traditional religious practices and political order after the tumultuous Amarna Period, which was marked by the reign of Akhenaten and the radical religious reforms that prioritized the worship of the sun disk, Aten. Horemheb's reign focused on reinforcing the power of the state, reviving ancient gods, and undoing the changes made during the Amarna Period, which directly impacted the religious landscape of Egypt.
Monotheism: Monotheism is the belief in a single, all-powerful deity. This concept stands in contrast to polytheism, which involves the worship of multiple gods. In ancient contexts, such as the Amarna Period, monotheism emerged as a radical religious shift that influenced cultural, political, and social structures.
Nefertiti: Nefertiti was an Egyptian queen and the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, known for her stunning beauty and significant role during the Amarna Period. She is often depicted in art as a figure of great power and influence, standing alongside her husband in religious reforms that promoted worship of the sun disk, Aten. Her legacy is further highlighted by her iconic bust, which remains one of the most recognizable artifacts from ancient Egypt.
Opet Festival: The Opet Festival was an important ancient Egyptian religious celebration held annually in Thebes, honoring the god Amun and his consort Mut. This festival involved a grand procession from Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple, symbolizing the union of the divine and the pharaonic power. It highlighted significant religious developments, especially during the New Kingdom, reflecting the relationship between the king, the gods, and the people during a time of transformative change.
Power of the Amun Priesthood: The power of the Amun priesthood refers to the significant influence and authority held by the priests of Amun, one of the most important deities in ancient Egyptian religion, especially during the New Kingdom. This priesthood not only managed the vast wealth and resources associated with the temple of Amun at Karnak but also played a crucial role in political and religious life, often acting as power brokers in the Egyptian state.
Ramses II: Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, reigning from 1279 to 1213 BCE. He is often regarded as one of Egypt's most powerful and celebrated rulers, known for his extensive building projects, military campaigns, and religious developments during a time marked by significant changes, including the Amarna Period.
Religious intolerance: Religious intolerance refers to the lack of acceptance or respect for different religious beliefs, often leading to discrimination, persecution, or conflict against individuals or groups based on their faith. This concept is particularly relevant during periods of significant religious change or upheaval, where competing belief systems clash and create tensions within societies. Understanding religious intolerance in this context helps to shed light on the dynamics of power, identity, and societal cohesion.
Restoration of Traditional Polytheism: The restoration of traditional polytheism refers to the revival and reinstatement of the ancient belief system that worshipped multiple gods and goddesses, particularly during a time when monotheistic practices were on the rise. This movement aimed to reestablish the importance of polytheistic rituals, temples, and deities in both cultural and political life, often as a response to religious reforms that marginalized these practices. The restoration is notably linked to the Amarna Period, where Akhenaten introduced monotheism with Aten but faced backlash leading to a return to earlier beliefs.
Thutmose III: Thutmose III was the sixth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt, reigning from 1479 to 1425 BCE. Known as one of Egypt's greatest military leaders, he expanded the empire to its greatest extent, conducting numerous successful military campaigns, which significantly increased Egypt's wealth and influence. His reign also marked a shift in religious practices and artistic styles during the Amarna Period, which followed his rule.
Tutankhamun: Tutankhamun, often referred to as King Tut, was an Egyptian pharaoh who reigned during the 18th dynasty, around 1332–1323 BCE. He is most famous for his nearly intact tomb discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922, which has provided invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian culture, art, and burial practices, particularly during the transition from the Amarna Period back to traditional polytheistic beliefs.