Dear members,

As the first major discussion for Horizon of the Aten since the
announcement of the reforms in the Avis-Pirum Network, I thought it
would be an interesting idea to discuss whether Akhenaten's reign
signified a flare of Absolutism; therefore implying that the Amarna
Period was surprisingly 'modern' in respect to ancient Egyptian
civilisation. Though the Amarna Period is most obviously remembered
as a religious overhaul it is important that we also consider it's
political ramifications. Though this may seem obvious, I believe the
theological debate often overshadows the administrative revolution
which occurred simultaneously.

First of all, I think an important factor behind Akhenaten's
motivations is an attempt to stifle the huge influence the Amun
priesthood held over Egypt. Joyce Tyldesley affirms that Amun became
the 'dominant economic force' in the south, accumulating its wealth
through farmers, labourers, herds (also leased out), ships and mines.
Moreover, she explains that this weakened the king's hegemony and
made him a 'peripheral figure'. Therefore, a great majority of the
population (notably those who benefitted from the Amun cult) surely
felt a primary allegiance to the temple rather than the distant king.
However, Amenhotep II, Tuthmosis IV and Amenhotep III all attempted
to impress monarchical control over the cult by appointing their own
followers (typically northerners) as High Priest of Amun. Therefore,
this would imply that the young Akhenaten, deeply encouraged by his
predecessors' attempts to limit Thebes' virtual monopoly on Egypt,
orchestrated his infamous assault with the intent of strengthening
Pharaonic power and symbolically justified it by aligning himself
with an obscure, 'new' deity, whose monotheistic connotations
delivered a clear message that the king's power was indivisible and
absolute.

Any thoughts, revered Egyptologists?

Many thanks,
Danny