The Amarna Period

Tutankhamun was born during the Amarna Period, one of the most fascinating eras in Egyptian history. At its centre was the pharaoh Akhenaten (c.1353-1335BC), probably Tutankhamun’s father.

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs features key objects from the Amarna Period, reflecting the distinctive artistic style of that intriguing time.

Akhenaten and a New Religion

Pharaoh Amenhotep IV was born at a time of great prosperity in Egypt. He introduced a sort of monotheism (belief in one god), replacing the traditional religion.

At the centre of the new religion was the Aten, or sun disk. In the 5th year of his reign Amenhotep changed his name to Akhenaten, which means "The Transfigured Spirit of the Sun Disk".

By closing the temples – powerful administrative and political centres – Akhenaten challenged the existing order and threw Egypt into turmoil.

Art in the Amarna Period

The Amarna Period saw the emergence of distinctive artistic style, in which the king took on a new appearance - apparently blending male and female characteristics. These changes were probably an attempt to express the new belief system but some academics suggest that the king suffered from a medical condition.

Amarna: A New Capital

Akhenaten created a brand new capital city, Akhetaten (modern Tel el Amarna). Located in Middle Egypt, the site was not previously associated with any other god.

Nefertiti and the Royal Family

Nefertiti was Akhentaten’s chief wife and together they had six daughters. She was an important figure in the Amarna Period and remains famous today as a timeless beauty. It is thought that Tutankhamun was the offspring of Akhenaten and a minor wife named Kiya.

Tutankhamun and Restoration

Tutankhaten spent his early childhood at Amarna. He ascended the throne while still a child (around 1333 BC). Guided by his advisors, he soon set about restoring the old ways. He changed his name to Tutankhamun in order to reflect the change back to the traditional religion and abandoned Amarna in favour of the established capitals of Memphis and Thebes.