Reigning from approximately 1353 to 1336 BCE, he is best known for his radical shift in religious practice, moving away from the traditional polytheistic worship of Egyptian deities to establish a form of monotheism centred around the worship of Aten, the sun disc. This religious revolution, often referred to as the Amarna Period, not only transformed Egyptian society but also influenced art, architecture, and culture, highlighting a departure from centuries of established norms.

Akhenaten’s family dynamics, including his marriage to the beautiful Nefertiti and his eventual successor, the enigmatic Tutankhamun, further complicate his legacy. His reign marked significant artistic and cultural advancements, characterised by a unique realism in sculpture and a more intimate portrayal of the royal family. However, following his death, Akhenaten’s reforms faced swift backlash, resulting in the erasure of his name and legacy from the annals of history. Today, he remains a subject of fascination for historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike, symbolising the intersection of power, religion, and artistic innovation in ancient Egypt.