What led Akhenaten to try to make changes in Egyptian religion?

He created a new monotheistic religion devoted to a single god named the Aten. However, the pharaoh’s loyalty was not enough, and soon Akhenaten required that all of Egypt adopt his new god and abandon their old pantheon in favor of sun worship. This religion consumed his reign, and the changes he made were remarkable.

What did Akhenaten do in ancient Egypt that was so controversial?

He was struck from the histories as a “heretic” and enemy to Ancient Egypt, his monuments were obliterated, and temples to Aten knocked down and the stone re-used to return to the worship of traditional gods.

How did the pharaoh influence the Egyptian culture?

Ancient Egyptian government was influenced by the power of the pharaohs, how they organized the government structure, and the role of hiearchal leadership. The pharaoh could change any social, religious, or law related matters whenever. He supported all of the government’s structure and function.

Why was it significant that Tutankhamun changed his name?

His original name was not Tutankhamun After a few years on the throne the young king changed his religion, abandoned the Aten, and started to worship the god Amun [who was revered as king of the gods]. This caused him to change his name to Tutankhamun, or “living image of Amun”.

Why was Akhenaten different from the other Egyptian pharaohs?

As a pharaoh, Akhenaten is noted for abandoning Egypt’s traditional polytheism and introducing Atenism, or worship centered around Aten. After his death, Akhenaten’s monuments were dismantled and hidden, his statues were destroyed, and his name excluded from lists of rulers compiled by later pharaohs.

How did the pyramids impact Egyptian society?

Pyramids were built for religious purposes. The Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to believe in an afterlife. They believed that a second self called the ka lived within every human being. When the physical body expired, the ka enjoyed eternal life.

What did Tutankhamun accomplish?

What did Tutankhamun accomplish during his reign? Tutankhamun helped restore traditional Egyptian religion and art, both of which had been set aside by his predecessor, Akhenaten. He issued a decree restoring the temples, images, personnel, and privileges of the old gods.