✅ El REINO NUEVO: la Dinastía XVIII y el periodo de Amarna (1550-1295 a. C.) 🌞 Historia universal

History of Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom

Overview of the New Kingdom

• Alejandra introduces the topic, focusing on the history of Ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom, particularly the 18th Dynasty.

• The New Kingdom, also known as the New Empire, spans from the 18th to the 20th Dynasty and is characterized by significant political and economic prosperity.

• This period is marked by cultural and material production alongside political, economic, and religious splendor.

Transition from Intermediate Period to New Kingdom

• The beginning of the New Kingdom follows the Second Intermediate Period, which is essential for understanding Egypt's historical evolution.

• Key events include Egypt's reunification and defeat of the Hyksos who had ruled from Avaris in the Nile Delta.

Significant Figures in Early New Kingdom

• Queen Ajote emerges as a pivotal figure; she takes command after her husband Pharaoh Sequen enra dies in battle.

• Ajote is recognized for her military significance and was awarded a Medal of Valor by her children.

Amenhotep I's Contributions

• After Akhmose’s reign, his son Amenhotep I expands Egyptian territory into Nubia, enhancing economic stability.

• Upon his death, both he and his mother Nefertari receive worship in Medina area, indicating their lasting influence.

The Thutmosid Dynasty

• Discussion shifts to Thutmose I; there are uncertainties regarding his lineage but he marries Agnose possibly for political legitimacy.

• Thutmose I achieves military success with conquests in Syria aimed at controlling valuable resources like cedar wood and copper.

Family Dynamics of Thutmose I

• He has two sons with different wives: Thutmose II with a secondary wife and Hatshepsut with Agnose.

• Hatshepsut becomes an important pharaoh queen who rules after Thutmose II’s death; she significantly impacts Egyptian history.

Expansion Under Thutmose III

• Following Hatshepsut’s rule, Thutmose III continues expansionist policies particularly in Syria-Palestine region.

Stability During Amenhotep II's Reign

• Amenhotep II presides over a stable period despite engaging in military campaigns that yield substantial spoils against enemies like Mitanni.

Akhenaten and the Evolution of Egyptian Monotheism

Thutmose IV's Influence on Akhenaten

• Thutmose IV identifies the monarch with the Sun God, a practice that continues through Amenhotep III, Akhenaten's father. This connection establishes a lineage of divine kingship.

• Achievements of Thutmose IV include establishing peace with Mitanni, which sets a precedent for diplomatic relations during his reign. His son, Amenhotep III, experiences significant political and economic stability over 38 years.

The Transition to Akhenaten's Reign

• Akhenaten (also known as Amenhotep IV) initiates significant changes in governance and religion, marking an evolution rather than an abrupt shift from previous practices. He relocates the capital from Thebes to Amarna, creating a new city that symbolizes this transformation.

• The art style during Akhenaten’s reign becomes more naturalistic and intimate, particularly in depictions of him with his wife Nefertiti, highlighting their personal relationship and its importance in his rule.

Religious Developments Under Akhenaten

• Contrary to earlier beliefs about monotheism in Amarna, recent studies suggest that what emerged was not true monotheism but rather a form of atheism centered around the worship of Aten, represented as a solar disk. This reflects an evolution from previous religious practices rather than an outright rejection of them.

• While Aten gains prominence as the central deity under Akhenaten’s rule, evidence indicates that other gods were still worshipped; thus, there was no outright prohibition against them despite Aten's elevated status. There is notable tension between the cult of Aten and traditional worshippers of Amun due to Amun's established significance in Thebes.

Aftermath of Akhenaten’s Reign

• Following Akhenaten’s death, Amarna is abandoned as Egypt returns to its former capital; this marks a reversion to traditional practices after his radical reforms. Esmenkara Nefer briefly rules afterward—speculated by some scholars to be Nefertiti herself—before Tutankhamun ascends to power shortly thereafter.