Ancient Egyptian Forum

tnrees · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 9:15 pm Post subject: Akhenatons momotheism

We had another good talk to out Egypt society from Lucia Galin.
Among other interesting things she pointed out that despite his 'monotheism' his throne name is NeferkhepurRE (Beaufiful are the manefestations of RE).
It is an easily available fact but no one seems to notice it.

Google · Sponsor

Meresankh · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:04 am Post subject:

Yes, that's something that has always puzzled me. If he was so into monotheism, why not change that name too? He was pharaoh after all and could change whatever laws he wished.

tnrees · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 11:36 am Post subject:

And it was the throne name which I would think was easier to change than the birth name.
I have been told that ancient Egyptians would use the throne (re) name rather than the 'birth' (aten) name - it is a modern mistake to talk of Tutankhamon rether than Nebkheperure

Steve-O · Tomb Robber Joined: 28 Sep 2008 Posts: 2

The problem most people have (including egyptologists) is the lack of religious understanding. Akhenaton was not a monotheist in the true sense. He was what is referred to as a henotheist. This is the belief in many gods/divine beings with one of them being supreme. he possibly believed in monolatry, which is that there is more than one god, but only one should be worshipped.

Not to get off topic, but I've always been of the belief that Akhenaton did away with Amun worship for political and financial reasons. Think about it, he does away with the powerful Amun cult and seizes all their holdings, while at the same time elevating the Aten to the supreme god, the only one to be worshipped/donated to, with him as the central figure. Actually quite a brilliant strategy imo.

Steve-O · Tomb Robber Joined: 28 Sep 2008 Posts: 2

As far as name changes go; it's actually easier to change your birth name, the nomen. The prenomen or throne name is more like a title, and would be how the king was referred to. For example, you or i wouldn't call The President of the US George (his name), we would call him Mr. President (his official title). Ditto for the ancients. Changing your throne name would be akin to the President suddenly calling himself the King, it wouldn't be received very well. But, if he wanted to change his name to Richard Bush people would be like whatever.