Akhenaten, originally named Amenhotep IV, was a New Kingdom pharaoh who instigated a radical religious revolution.

He abandoned Egypt's traditional polytheistic religion in favor of the exclusive worship of a single deity, the Aten.

The Aten was the disk of the sun, represented not as a human or animal, but as a solar orb with rays extending down.

This new religion, known as Atenism, is considered one of the earliest forms of monotheism in history.

Akhenaten closed the temples dedicated to other gods, particularly the powerful cult of Amun-Ra.

He moved the capital of Egypt from Thebes to a new, purpose-built city called Akhetaten (modern Amarna).

The 'Amarna style' of art from this period is distinct for its naturalism and intimate depictions of the royal family.

His wife, Queen Nefertiti, played a prominent role in the new religious and political order.

The revolution was deeply unpopular and was quickly reversed after Akhenaten's death.

His successors, including his son Tutankhamun, restored the old gods and attempted to erase Akhenaten from history.