Akhenaten And Nefertiti: A Woman's Identity

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Throughout the many periods of Egyptian history the religious views seemed to be polytheistic. At least that's the way it was before the New Kingdom, which embodied Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti’s monotheistic beliefs. The Pharaoh and his Queen ruled for 12 years until suddenly she vanished. Did she die from disease or change her identity? Was she exiled? The most important question to be asked is, has the lost queen been found? Nefertiti, which translated means “A beautiful woman has come,” was born in Thebes c.1370 BC. Though her parentage is unknown a theory suspects her to be the daughter of Ay. In the first depiction of Nefertiti she is seen accompanying the new king, Amenhotep IV, while worshiping the god Aten. During their reign the two established the Aten cult, which defined Aten (the sun) to be the most important god. This was quite the change from the previous polytheistic beliefs of the Egyptian people. Nefertiti changed her name to Neferneferuaten-Nefertiti, which means “beautiful are the beauties of Aten, a beautiful woman has come,” to express her passion for her new religion. …show more content…

There have been several occasions that depict Nefertiti wearing a crown much like the Pharaohs and destroying her enemies in various battles. Despite her having great importance she suddenly disappeared from all depictions after 12 years. Until recently, historians believed that Akhenaten divorced and exiled Nefertiti (McKay, 27). However, scholars believe they've discovered the missing chapter of her life. The current theory is that Nefertiti was made to be Akhenaten's co-regent and dressed as a

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