Egyptian Art Biography
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Welcome to History Link 101's Egyptian Biography Page. Here you will find excellent links to Egyptian biographies. History Link 101 is a site developed for World History Classes, by a World History Teacher.
Religious Revolution
Amenhotep IV changed his name to Akhenaton, meaning "the Servant of Aten" early in his reign. Whereas his father, Amenhotep III, had sought to reduce the increasing power of the priesthood, Akhenaton practically dismantled it. Akhenaton started his reign as most Egyptian kings. But fairly early in his reign he introduced a monotheistic worship of Aten, the Sun God. At first he attempted to place temples for next to temples for other gods. Eventually he closed all the other temples and took their revenues.
In the process of this religious revolution, Akhenaton placed him self as the intermediary between Aten and the people. This helped eliminate the need for the priesthood. As the only one with access to the god, Akhenaten established himself as a god-king and became the first king to be called Pharoah.
New Capital at el-Armana
In a move to further distance he created a new capital at Akhenaton now known as el-Armana. This sacred city had never been occupied prior to Akhenaton's moving his capital nor did it outlast Akhenaton's reign. After Akhenaton's death the backlash forced his son, Tutankhamen to reverse the move to monotheism and return to the worship of many gods. During his reign it appears likely that only the nobles embraced the Aten cult but even much of that may have been just to stay in favor with the king. Even without their temples the common people apparently maintained their old worship practices.
Changes in Art
This period of change during Akhenaton's reign has become known as "The Armana Revolution" or "The Armana Interlude". Besides the changes involving the king's position and title, the religious movements and the capital there was a new artistic style used as well. Bek, AAkhenaton's "Chief Sculptor and Master" proclaims in a stele that the king told the artists to create "what they saw". This led to the development of a more realistic style in the official art that in many cases continued on after Akhenaton's time.
Akhenaton's Physiognomy
When the first portraits of Akhenaton and his wife Nefertiti was uncovered they were thought to represent two women because of Akhenaton's body style. Akhenaton's sculptures usually show him with an elongated neck, protruding belly and a lower body form more closely related to the way women were depicted. For awhile it was thought that Akhenaton was actually a woman. Today there is a theory that Akhenaton may have developed a condition known as Frolich's Syndrome late in life. This tumor of the pituitary gland can result in body deformations very similar to Akhenaton's depiction.
Coming from the 18th dynasty and being the ninth pharaoh to rule during this period, Amenhotep III uplifted Egypt. In addition, he would father a son who would shake Egypt’s foundation and that son would later be referred to as Akhenaten. During Amenhotep III’s reign, which would come to be known as a period of peace and abundance, many structures were constructed that still stand today. Amenhotep III was known as the pharaoh that beautified Egypt.
Family
Being born to Queen Mutemwiya and the pharaoh Thutmose IV, Amenhotep III was given the throne at the age of twelve and remained pharaoh until the rightful age of 50. Like most pharaohs, he also had many wives. It was believed that he had 317 wives -- all which were well taken care of and were acquired through dowries. His favorite wife, Queen Tiy, was married to him at the young age of 11 or 12. To honor her he built a temple dedicated to her. She was the first women to be given official acts and was believed to be very intelligent. Together they had a son named Amenhotep IV, who later changed his reign
Amenhotep III ruled at a time when Egypt was in no great danger. Times were prosperous due to trading and when production and life along the Nile River had flourished. Unlike other pharaohs, conquering other kingdoms was not an issue. Construction was the main focus since times were abundant and no real great danger was evident. He enlarged many cities and constructed many temples. He built the temple Malkata located on the western shores of Thebes and the southern part of Medinet Habu. This site was dedicated to housing and also official chambers. His greatest and most famous structure was the Temple of Amun (modern day Luxor), which is known by its ruins and remains a popular tourist attraction today.
Managing to keep the throne for a long 39 years, Amenhotep III died of an unknown disease. He died at the age of 50. He left behind his favorite wife who would later move with her son Akhenaten as well as many other wives. Although not known for war or conquering, he left behind great monuments and temples and grand statues that would begin to tell of an upcoming change -- the Amarna Period.
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