Atenism

Atenism is the religious reform associated with Pharaoh Amenhotep IV, who ruled Egypt in the mid-14th century BCE and renamed himself Akhenaten. The reform centered on the worship of Aten, the sun disk, as the sole deity of Egypt, replacing and diminishing the traditional cults of the other gods.

The theology presents Aten as the single, all-encompassing god responsible for life and creation, often depicted as a sun disk whose rays end in hands bestowing life. Traditional gods such as Amun, Osiris, and Isis were marginalized; some texts describe them as mere manifestations or aspects of Aten, while others emphasize exclusive obedience to Aten. The extent of monotheism versus monolatry or henotheism remains debated among scholars.

Institutionally, the reforms were accompanied by a shift in religious centers from Thebes to a new capital at Amarna (Akhetaten), changes in temple structures, and reforms to priestly roles and temple economy. The king and his family featured prominently in public religious imagery and hymns, reducing the political power of the priesthood of Amun.

After Akhenaten's death, his successors, including Tutankhamun, restored the old religious order and reopened traditional cults. The memory of Atenism was suppressed or erased in many places, and Amarna's monuments were neglected or defaced. The extent to which Atenism persisted in private practice or influenced later religious thought is debated.

Today Atenism is studied as an early instance of a radical religious reform in ancient Egypt. Scholars debate whether it constitutes true monotheism or a unique form of monolatry, and its long-term impact on Egyptian religion remains a matter of interpretation.