Introduced by Pharoah Akhenaten (also known as Amenhotep IV) of
Egypt, Atenism was a monotheistic religion which was designated the official religion of Egypt
during his reign (after he died, the old beliefs were gradually brought
back). Aten was an obscure Egyptian god and the traditional name for the sun-disk itself. At first, Atenism was accepting of the other Egyptian deities but, over time, they were all rejected.
Because of its restrictive nature (only Akhenaten could talk to Aten), ordinary Egyptians retained most of their old beliefs, which made the transition after his death much easier. Tablets found in the early 20th century stated that Akhenaten had become more and more obsessed with his new religion, especially after the death of his beloved wife, Queen Nefertiti. He was also the father of Tutankhamun, who changed his name from Tutankhaten after pressure from priests. A number of hymns were produced during the reign of Akhenaten, one of which bears a slight resemblance to Psalm 104.
Because of its restrictive nature (only Akhenaten could talk to Aten), ordinary Egyptians retained most of their old beliefs, which made the transition after his death much easier. Tablets found in the early 20th century stated that Akhenaten had become more and more obsessed with his new religion, especially after the death of his beloved wife, Queen Nefertiti. He was also the father of Tutankhamun, who changed his name from Tutankhaten after pressure from priests. A number of hymns were produced during the reign of Akhenaten, one of which bears a slight resemblance to Psalm 104.
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