Common questions about Akhenaten

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When did Akhenaten die and how many years did he reign?

Akhenaten died in his seventeenth regnal year, which corresponds to the period from 1351 to 1334 BC. His reign spanned these years before his death was recorded on a wine docket found at Amarna.

What was the original name of Akhenaten before he changed it?

Akhenaten was originally named Amenhotep IV, meaning Amun is satisfied, before he transformed his identity to Akhenaten, or Effective for the Aten. This name change occurred gradually and was finalized around the fifth year of his reign to sever his connection to the god Amun.

Where did Akhenaten build his new capital city Akhetaten?

Akhenaten built the new capital city Akhetaten on the east bank of the Nile, located about halfway between Thebes and Memphis. The site was chosen for its symbolic significance as an uninhabited area that formed a silhouette similar to the horizon hieroglyph.

How many daughters did Akhenaten and Nefertiti have?

Akhenaten and Nefertiti had six daughters, including Meritaten, Meketaten, Ankhesenpaaten, Neferneferuaten Tasherit, Neferneferure, and Setepenre. These daughters are well attested in contemporary depictions from the Amarna period.

What happened to Akhenaten's mummy after his death?

Akhenaten's mummy was removed from his tomb in Akhetaten after Tutankhamun abandoned the city and returned to Thebes. It was most likely moved to tomb KV55 in the Valley of the Kings, where it was later desecrated and is now the subject of controversial identification studies.

Why did Akhenaten change the artistic style of ancient Egypt?

Akhenaten changed the artistic style to reflect the androgyny of the god Aten and to contrast himself with the common people through radical departures from traditional idealized images. This Amarna art style depicted the royal family in realistic, naturalistic, and intimate situations rather than static poses.