Akhenaten Timeline

Akhenaten Marries Nefertiti

1354 BCE

It was believed that Nefertiti was the daughter of one of Amenhotep III most esteemed advisers. Nefertiti would become a powerful figure throughout Akhenaten's reign there is even suggestion that they shared a co-regency.

Death of Amenhotep III

1349 BCE

Amenhotep III death was believed to be a result of age, obesity, arthritis and severe dental problems. Due to the death of his first son Thutmose V, Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten) became the new king.

Amenhotep IV Becomes Pharaoh

1348 BCE

Amenhotep IV was a teenager (16-17) when he became king. For the first 5 years of his reign Amenhotep IV ruling style was the same as his father, traditional monuments and temples continued to be constructed.

City of Akhetaten

1346 BCE

The construction of Akhetaten's new capital city Akhetaten 'horizon of the Aten' begins. The city was built to face the east (the rising sun) and was surrounded by desert but close enough to the Nile for life to be sustained.

Amenhotep IV Becomes Akhenaten

1344 BCE

After the first 5 normal years of his reign Amenhotep IV changed his name to Akhenaten meaning 'living spirit of Aten'. This would mark the beginning of the dramatic changes Akhenaten would make to religion in Egypt.

Death of Queen Tiye

1338 BCE

A powerful queen to Amenhotep III and mother to Akhenaten. It is believed that it was her influence and power that made Akhenaten king.

Death of Akhenaten

1336 BCE

Following his death Egypt would return to their old gods and Akhenaten's attempts to transfer religion to monotheism dedicated to the Aten would be eradicated

Disappearance of Nefertiti

1336 BCE

Details about her death are unclear some suggest she died due to plague. She ruled alongside Akhenaten until his death before disappearing from all records.

Tutankhamun Becomes Pharaoh

1334 BCE

Tutankhamun was the son of Akhenaten and a lesser wife. He was child when he ascended the throne and suffered from multiple deformities and birth defects.

City of Akhetaten Abandoned

1331 BCE

A few years after Akhenaten's death the capital city was returned to Thebes. Akhetaten was abandoned along with the worship of the Aten, Egypt returned to their old gods.

Death of Tutankhamun

1323 BCE

Tutankhamun died unexpectedly around the age of 19 (he died from his defects or possibly killed by his successor Horemheb), his death left Egypt in chaos. During his short reign he managed to stabilize Egypt by returning Egypt to their old gods and restoring temples neglected by his father.

Horemheb Becomes Pharaoh

1320 BCE

He was an adviser to Tutankhamun and experienced military officer. Horemheb would dedicate to his reign to stabilizing Egypt and removing monuments and evidence of Akhenaten's reign.