Why did the pharaoh Akhenaten introduce
religious change in ancient Egypt?
Pharaoh Akhenaten attempted a cultural revolution by introducing the religion of Aten to increase his
wealth and become the sole ruler of Egypt. Before converting to the new religion, the priesthood were
highly regarded as they could give or withdraw the support of Amun to the Pharaoh and other officials
in relation to certain movements and agendas. This would ultimately bring power and riches into the
priesthood which concerned Akhenaten greatly as they were gaining too much influence in the
religion and government sectors. This then led to Akhenaten converting the cities devotion to one
God, changing his name to reflect this God, and relocating the city’s capitol from Thebes to
Akhenaten.
For centuries, the Egyptians had worshiped many gods and goddesses, each of which had its own
intricate structure of priests, temples, shrines, and rituals. At the top of the religious hierarchy was the
Pharaoh who served as both king and living god. The priests of Amun were known as the sole
interpreters of the Gods; only they could speak with the Gods. The power and influence of the priests
and scribes largely controlled the Government of the Egyptian kingdom and everyone in Egypt would
sacrifice or make offerings to the priests for them to ask the Gods for such things as: a cure for a
sickness, farming conditions, fertility, and forgiveness. As previous Pharaohs had sworn to obey the
will of the Gods, they would also be duty-bound to obey the priests. During Amenhotep III’s reign, the
priests of Amun owned more land, had more money, and were almost as powerful as the pharaoh
himself.
– Amun is the ancient Egyptian god of the sun and air
– Most dominant cult above all the rest
– The first high priests of Amun appear in the New Kingdom, at the beginning of the Eighteenth
Dynasty.
