There were many rules in the 18th dynasty. But the most controversial ruler in the 18th dynasty was
Amenhoptep IV. "Akhenaten IV single hand changed the Egyptian ways" (Chronicle of the Pharaohs pg.
67). He changed the religious beliefs to the art form of he's time. "Amenhoptep IV could have been the
most remarkable man to sit upon Egypt's throne" (Chronicle of the Pharaohs, pg. 74) That was not the
cause during his reign.
Amenhoptep IV better known as Akenaten, the name he took early on in his reign meaning, "He who
is of service to Aten". Amenhoptep IV " was at least the second son of Amenhotep III" (Ancient Egypt,
pg. 89). Akhenaten took the thrown after his fathers death. In the book (Who Where The Pharaohs, by
Stephen Quirke). It believes that before Amenhotep III death he took his son into partnership on the
throne in a co-regency.
A "house altar" (c. 1350 BC) depicting Akhenaten, ...
Pharaoh Akhenaten and his family adoring the Aten,...
A colossal statue of Akhenaten from his Aten Templ...The reason for this believe is the artistic style in the latter years of Amenhotep III
reign. Amarna art was introduced by Akhenaten. This style was shown in the last years of
Amenhotep III. There is no real evidence that the two shared the throne, because both traditional and
revolutionary art style could have easily coexisted during the early years of Akhenaten's reign.
Akhenaten was the tenth king in the eighteenth dynasty. "There can be little doubt that Amenhotep
IV was far more of a thinker and philosopher than his forebears" (Who Where The Pharaohs, pg. 101)
Akhenaten was in traditional ways. His father Amenhotep III and Queen Tiy brought Akhenaten up in
the old ways. They worshipped Amun in his younger years however, Akhenaten developed a love for
Aten, the Sun God. "Amenhotep I led many to believe he preferred Aten over Amun" ( Who Where The...