Pharaoh Akhenaten
The Pharaoh Akhenaten was known as the Heretic King. He was the tenth
King of the 18th Dynasty. Egyptologists are still tying to figure out what
actually happened during his lifetime as much of the truth was buried, for
all time, after he died.
Akhenaten lived at the peak of Egypt's imperial glory. Egypt had never
been richer, more powerful, or more secure. Up and down the Nile, workers
built hundreds of temples to pay homage to the Gods. They believed that if
the Gods were pleased, Egypt would prosper. And so it did.
Akhenaten and his family lived in the great religious center of Thebes,
city of the God Amun. There were thousands of priests who served the Gods.
Religion was the 'business' of the time, many earning their living
connected to the worship of the gods.
All indications are that as a child Akhenaten was a family outcast.
Scientists are studying the fact that Akhenaten suffered from a disease
called Marfan Syndrome, a genetic defect that damages the body's
connective tissue. Symptoms include, short torso, long head, neck, arms,
hand and feet, pronounced collarbones, pot belly, heavy thighs, and poor
muscle tone. Those who inherit it are often unusually tall and are likely
to have weakened aortas that can rupture. They can die at an early age. If
Akhnaton had the disease each of his daughters had a 50-50 change of
inheriting it. That is why his daughters are shown with similar symptoms.
Akhenaten's Great Royal Wife was Queen Nefertiti.
|
