Akhenaten was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty who reigned during the New Kingdom period, roughly 1353 or 1351 to 1336 BCE. He is best known for his radical religious and artistic revolution, shifting away from traditional polytheistic worship towards a form of monotheism centered on the sun god Aten. He changed his name from Amenhotep IV to Akhenaten, meaning "effective for Aten," to reflect his new beliefs. 

Key aspects of Akhenaten's reign:

• Religious Revolution:Akhenaten introduced a new religion that focused solely on the Aten, represented as a sun disk, and elevated the pharaoh as the sole intermediary between the god and the people. This was a major departure from the traditional Egyptian pantheon of gods. 

• Amarna Period Art:Akhenaten's reign, known as the Amarna Period, saw a distinct shift in artistic style. Artworks during this time were characterized by a more naturalistic and expressive style, often depicting the royal family, including Akhenaten himself, with elongated heads, thin necks, and other unusual features. 

• Construction of Akhetaten:Akhenaten founded a new capital city called Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna), which served as the center of his new religion and administration. 

• Legacy:Akhenaten's religious reforms were ultimately reversed after his death by his successor, Tutankhamun, who restored the traditional polytheistic religion. Akhenaten was even excluded from official king lists for a period, viewed as a heretic. 

• Modern Interpretations:Akhenaten's reign and religious revolution have been subject to diverse interpretations throughout history, with some viewing him as a proto-monotheist, a revolutionary, or even a totalitarian ruler, according to National Geographic.