Akhenaton

Akhenaton, or Ikhnaton, title taken by Amenhotep IV, king of Egypt (c. 1379–50 B.C.). Akhenaton started the cult of the sun god Aton, despite the opposition of the priesthood of Amon-Ra. He moved the capital from Thebes, city of Amon, to Akhetaton (now Tell el-Amarna), where he fostered a naturalistic school of art and literature. After his death the old religion was reestablished. Akhenaton was married to Nefertiti.

See also: Egypt, Ancient.