AMARNA Meaning and
Definition
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Amarna is a term that refers to the city of Akhetaten, which was the capital of Egypt during the reign of King Akhenaten in the late 18th dynasty of the New Kingdom period (around 1353-1336 BC). The name "Amarna" has been derived from the ancient Egyptian name for the city, Akhetaten, meaning "Horizon of Aten".
The significance of Amarna lies in its historical and cultural importance as the center of a revolutionary religious and artistic movement initiated by King Akhenaten. The city was a manifestation of the radical changes Akhenaten implemented, primarily his shift towards worshiping the Aten, the sun disk, as the supreme deity. This marked a departure from the previous polytheistic beliefs of ancient Egypt and introduced a form of monotheism centered on the Aten.
Amarna is also distinguished by its architectural style, characterized by elongated and disproportionate figures, emphasizing the naturalistic representation of the royal family and an overall departure from the traditional Egyptian artistic canon. This artistic style is often referred to as "Amarna art".
Despite its relatively short lifespan, Amarna has left an enduring impact on Egyptology and ancient Egyptian history, as it offers valuable insights into the reign of Akhenaten and his religious reforms. The city has been regarded as a unique and fascinating period in ancient Egypt, demonstrating the profound influence of a single ruler on the religious, architectural, and artistic aspects of a civilization.
Etymology of AMARNA
The word "Amarna" is derived from the ancient Egyptian site of Amarna, also known as Akhetaten.
Akhetaten was the capital city built by Pharaoh Akhenaten during the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, around 1353–1336 BCE. It was dedicated to the worship of a single deity, the sun god Aten. The name "Amarna" comes from the modern-day name of the site, which is located on the east bank of the Nile River in modern-day Egypt.
The city was largely abandoned shortly after Akhenaten's death, and its ruins were rediscovered in the 19th century. Since then, "Amarna" has been used to refer to the historical period and the distinctive art style associated with Akhenaten's reign and the city of Amarna.
