Akhenaten

Amenhotep IV, later known as Akhenaten, was born to Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye. He was initially the second son but became heir after his elder brother's death.

Amenhotep IV received a comprehensive education in religion, politics, and military strategy, preparing him for his future role as pharaoh.

Amenhotep IV ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Amenhotep III, and began his reign as the 10th pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty.

Amenhotep IV married Nefertiti, who would become his chief queen and a significant figure in his religious and political reforms.

In a significant religious and political move, Amenhotep IV changed his name to Akhenaten, meaning 'Effective for Aten,' reflecting his devotion to the sun god Aten.

Akhenaten founded a new capital city, Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna), dedicated to the worship of Aten, marking a radical departure from traditional Egyptian polytheism.

Akhenaten implemented sweeping religious reforms, closing temples to other gods and promoting the worship of Aten, leading to widespread iconoclasm and social upheaval.

Akhenaten's radical reforms and isolationist policies began to alienate the nobility and priesthood, leading to a decline in his popularity and the stability of his reign.

Akhenaten died, and his religious reforms were quickly dismantled by his successors, including his son Tutankhamun, who restored the traditional Egyptian pantheon.