Aten
(proper noun)
The supreme sun disk that assumed the apex of the Egyptian pantheon under Akhenaten's religious reforms.
Examples of Aten in the following topics:
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Akhenaton and the Amarna Period
- During his reign, Akhenaten built a city for Aten that is known today as Amarna, and ushered in a period of art, known as the Amarna Period.
- The Amarna Period is noted for its artistic style, which drastically shifted away from conventional styles of art and centered around the worship of Aten.
- Although the worship of Aten was completely suppressed after Akhenaten's death, the artistic legacy had a more lasting impact.
- Some scholars suggest that the presentation of the human body as imperfect during the Amarna period is in deference to Aten.
- Decorations clearly worshiped the Aten, with excerpts from the Hymn to the Aten often present in the tombs; there is an absence of other gods and goddesses and no mention of Osiris or the underworld.
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Painting of the New Kingdom
- Some scholars suggest that the presentation of the human body as imperfect during the Amarna period is in deference to the Aten.
- Decorations from the Amarna Period clearly worshiped the Aten, with excerpts from the Hymn to the Aten often present in the tombs.
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Tutankhamun and Ramses II
- In his third regnal year, he ended the worship of the god Aten and restored the god Amun to supremacy, also changing his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun.
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Sculpture of the New Kingdom
- Some scholars suggest that the presentation of the human body as imperfect during the Amarna period is in deference to Aten.