What did Akhenaten do during his reign?
In just under two decades on the throne, Akhenaten imposed new aspects of Egyptian religion, overhauled its royal artistic style, moved Egypt’s capital to a previously unoccupied site, implemented a new form of architecture and attempted to obliterate the names and images of some of Egypt’s traditional gods.
Why is the reign of Akhenaten referred to as the Amarna period?
It was marked by the reign of Amenhotep IV, who changed his name to Akhenaten (1353–1336 BC) in order to reflect the dramatic change of Egypt’s polytheistic religion into one where the sun disc Aten was worshipped over all other gods. The Egyptian pantheon was restored under Akhenaten’s successor, Tutankhamun.
What did Nefertiti accomplish during her reign?
Nefertiti was a queen of Egypt and wife of King Akhenaton, who played a prominent role in changing Egypt’s traditional polytheistic religion to one that was monotheistic, worshipping the sun god known as Aton. An elegant portrait bust of Nefertiti now in Berlin is perhaps one of the most well-known ancient sculptures.
How did Akhenaten have himself depicted in art during his reign?
Amarna art, or the Amarna style, is a style adopted in the Amarna Period during and just after the reign of Akhenaten (r. In particular, depictions of Akhenaten give him distinctly feminine qualities such as large hips, prominent breasts, and a larger stomach and thighs.
What made the Amarna Period art unique?
The children of Nefertiti and Akhenaten were given oddly-shaped heads when depicted in art. In addition, art of the Amarna period was unusual in that it depicted familial scenes such as this. In exemplary Amarna period fashion, Akhenaten is shown with a curved body, defining his breasts.
What was the Amarna period best known for?
The Amarna Period is, in fact, the era of ancient Egypt’s history that has received the most attention because Akhenaten’s reign is seen as such a dramatic departure from the standard of the traditional Egyptian monarchy.