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The New Kingdom

The New Kingdom. continued. A Religious Reformer. Amenhotep IV (ah-muhn-hoh-tehp) came into power in 1370 B.C. Amenhotep felt priests were gaining too much power  introduced a new religion with only one god in order to maintain his own power Aton (the god) was to be worshipped

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The New Kingdom

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  1. The New Kingdom continued

  2. A Religious Reformer • Amenhotep IV (ah-muhn-hoh-tehp) came into power in 1370 B.C. • Amenhotep felt priests were gaining too much power •  introduced a new religion with only one god in order to maintain his own power • Aton (the god) was to be worshipped • Priests who did not follow the new religion were removed from power, their lands were seized, closed temples • Changed name to Akhenaton (ahk-nah-tuhn) meaning “Spirit of Aton”

  3. Queen Nefertiti Akhenaton Aton was described as being the creative force in the universe. It manifested itself as a solar disc with rays extending out, ending as hands.

  4. Most Egyptians refused to accept the new religion • Akhenaton became so devoted to his new religion that he neglected his other duties • Administrators hired not as experienced as the priests • He took no action when the Hittites attacked Egypt  lost most land in western Asia, shrinking empire

  5. The Boy King • When he died, son-in-law inherited throne  Tutankhamen(too-tang-kah-muhn) • 10years old • Help from palace officials and priests, who convinced him to restore old religion • Ruled for 9 years • Died unexpectedly- fell? murdered? • Now nicknamed “King Tut”

  6. Tomb found by a British archaeologist named Howard Carter in 1922 • Incredible treasures, gold mask of the young pharaoh’s face • Important because most royal tombs were robbed long ago

  7. The End of the New Kingdom • Ramses II reigned from 1279 B.C. to 1213 B.C. • One of the most effective pharaohs • Armies regained lands in western Asia and rebuilt the empire • “Ramses the Great” • Constructed major new temples

  8. Why Were Temples Built? • Temples built by enslaved people • Not used for services, instead most Egyptians prayed at home • Believed temples were houses for the gods and goddesses • Also served as banks- stored valuable items Temple of Karnak

  9. Egypt’s Decline and Fall • After Ramses II, Egypt’s power declined • Attacked by groups from the eastern Mediterranean using strong iron weapons • By 1150 B.C., Egyptians lost their empire and controlled only the Nile delta • Beginning in the 900s B.C., Egypt was ruled by the Libyans, then people of Kush, then Assyrians

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