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Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh

Amenhotep IV ascended the throne in 1350 BC and challenged ancient traditions. He changed his name to Akhenaten and established an obscure solar deity as the sole god, angering the priesthood of Amun. The pharaoh resorted to force to suppress the old religious institutions and moved the capital to Amarna. His decisions had social, economic, and political consequences. A simultaneous revival of art and depictions of the pharaoh revealed a kingdom at odds with its old ways. Akhenaten perished under mysterious circumstances, and when Nefertiti intervened to guide the young king Tutankhaten, he changed his name, signaling a return to the old order. His legacy, and that of his father, was nearly erased as power returned to the status quo.

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  • Originally Aired September 1, 2024
  • Created August 7, 2025 by
    JSoriaC
  • Modified August 7, 2025 by
    JSoriaC