Posts by DominicPerry

Supporting Aten's TemplesTo keep their government and economy running, the pharaohs of ancient Egypt relied on allies, servants and friends. Akhenaten (Nefer-kheperu-Re) was no exception. In this episode, we meet…

The Temples of AtenAkhenaten changed many features of ancient Egyptian religion. But although his god was distant and universal, the Aten still needed a home. Today, we explore how Akhenaten…

Interlude: An Interview with AkhnatenIn 1983, Philip Glass debuted his opera Akhnaten, a bold musical exploration of the pharaoh, his reign and his legacy in ancient Egypt. Now, Akhnaten returns…

Akhenaten (Part 8): Precursors to AtenismPrior to Akhenaten's reign, the worship of Ra had been developing in fascinating ways. From Thebes, a variety of tomb texts show us hints of pharaoh's…

Akhenaten (Part 7): The Great Hymn to AtenBy 1356 BCE, Akhenaten was well-ensconced in his new royal residence of Akhet-Aten (Amarna). As regnal year 7 began, the King was probably…

The Story So Far...We've covered a lot since Amunhotep IV / Akhenaten appeared on the throne of Egypt. Today, we take a breather to sort it all out and summarise…

Amarna (Part 4): Raising a City in Haste.When Akhenaten demanded a new royal residence (Akhet-Aten), it fell to countless labourers, overseers and donkeys to gather the material needed for the…

Amarna (Part 3): Elite Houses.The Overseer of Works, Hatiay, was one of Akhenaten's most prominent and useful servants. He helped build pharaoh's new city, bringing the vision to life, by…

Amarna (Part 2): Akhenaten's Priorities and MindsetA short side episode, concerning Akhenaten's mind-set around the time he moved to Amarna. Did the King always plan this city? Did he want…

Amarna / Akhet-Aten.In regnal year 5, Akhenaten decreed the foundations of his new city devoted to the sun god. One year later, the King returned to perform ceremonies and to…