Aten Today

Aten ushered in an era of sun worship known as Atenism, where the sun god is the sole recipient of all praise and adoration. This was a controversial idea as Egypt was very much into the idea of pantheism, worshipping many gods. He craftily portrayed himself as a son of the “sun,” bestowed with life-giving powers that caused a fearful public to obey without question.

Despite a seemingly normal, pleasant appearance, it is theorized that Aten’s radical ideas resulted in a reputation that he had some think was due to “madness and insanity.” The piercing stare in this artist’s portrayal makes us wonder if his radical policy would’ve been met with more favor given his attractive countenance.