4.3 Religious developments and the Amarna Period

The New Kingdom saw major shifts in Egyptian religion. Amun rose to supreme god status, with his priesthood gaining immense power. This was challenged by Akhenaten's radical reforms, promoting the sun disk Aten as the sole deity.

After Akhenaten's death, traditional polytheism was restored. Religion remained central to Egyptian life, influencing politics, economy, and culture. Temples were hubs of activity, while religious festivals brought communities together.

Religious Developments in the New Kingdom

Rise and fall of Amun

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• Amun, local deity of Thebes, rose to prominence during Middle Kingdom
  • Merged with sun god Ra to become Amun-Ra, king of the gods
• Theban priesthood gained significant power and influence
  • Controlled vast wealth through temple estates and donations
  • High Priest of Amun held great authority, sometimes rivaling pharaoh
• Amun's cult reached peak during early New Kingdom
  • Pharaohs attributed military victories and successful reigns to Amun's favor (Thutmose III)
• Akhenaten's religious reforms during Amarna Period diminished Amun's influence
• After Akhenaten's death, traditional religion restored, Amun regained position as supreme god (Tutankhamun)

Religious reforms of Akhenaten

• Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV) introduced new form of worship centered on Aten, the sun disk
  • Promoted more monotheistic religion, focusing on Aten as sole god
  • Built new capital city, Akhetaten (Amarna), dedicated to Aten
• Akhenaten's reforms challenged traditional polytheistic religion and power of priesthood
  • Closed temples dedicated to other gods, particularly Amun
  • Confiscated wealth and land from temples
• Art style during Amarna Period depicted royal family in more naturalistic and intimate manner
  • Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and daughters shown worshipping Aten
• Akhenaten's reforms largely abandoned after his death, traditional religion restored (Tutankhamun)

Restoration of traditional religion

• Tutankhamun, Akhenaten's successor, reinstated traditional polytheistic religion
  • Reopened temples and restored cults of Amun and other gods
  • Abandoned Akhetaten and moved capital back to Thebes
• Horemheb, Tutankhamun's successor, continued restoration process
  • Dismantled Akhenaten's monuments, used materials for new building projects
  • Issued decrees to return property and wealth to temples
• Later pharaohs sought to erase memory of Amarna Period and Akhenaten's reforms
  • Removed Akhenaten's name from king lists and monuments
  • Portrayed Amarna Period as time of chaos and disorder

Religion's influence in New Kingdom

• Religion and politics closely intertwined in ancient Egypt
  • Pharaohs considered divine intermediaries between gods and people
  • Successful reigns and military victories attributed to divine favor (Ramses II)
• Temples played central role in economy and daily life
  • Employed large number of people (priests, scribes, craftsmen)
  • Acted as centers of education, medicine, and food distribution
• Religious festivals and ceremonies were important events in lives of Egyptians
  • Celebrated gods and pharaoh's divine role (Opet Festival)
  • Provided opportunities for public participation and community bonding
• Art and architecture heavily influenced by religious beliefs
  • Temples and tombs decorated with scenes depicting gods, mythological events, and afterlife (Book of the Dead)
  • Statues and reliefs of gods, pharaohs, and religious symbols common in public spaces and private homes (Amun, Horus, ankh)