In the ancient city of So’oud Aten in Egypt, a significant historical event unfolded over 3,300 years ago when Pharaoh Akhenaten, determined to enforce monotheism, commanded his subjects to abandon their homes and move to a new city. This drastic decision, typical of a pharaoh’s authority, led to a hasty exodus where residents left behind various possessions, now being unearthed by archaeologists. The discovery of a “lost golden city” has revealed a treasure trove of artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and statues depicting the goddess Sekhmet. The city, recently discovered by archaeologists, sheds light on the daily life and high standard of living of its inhabitants during Egypt’s golden age. Situated near Luxor, the city is surrounded by historical monuments and provides valuable insights into ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and religious practices. Recent excavations have uncovered administrative buildings and evidence of shifts in religious beliefs, including the worship of Aten, represented by the sun, marking a possible early example of monotheism.
Ikram is considered a henotheist, as he worships a specific god while recognizing the existence of other deities. According to Hawass, Akhenaten, who was despised by religious priests benefiting from the worship of multiple gods, desired to establish a place of worship for the god Aten. He selected a location now called Tell-el Amarna, situated approximately 200 miles south of Cairo, Egypt’s capital. Naming the new city the “Rise of Aten,” Akhenaten believed he was inspired by his father, Amenhotep III, who reigned over Egypt from 1391 to 1353 B.C. Notably, depictions of sun rays were discovered in the So’oud Aten district, where activities such as spinning, leatherwork, and jewelry making occurred. Hawass mentioned that Queen Nefertiti, Akhenaten’s renowned wife, likely strolled the city’s streets with him. Described as a “religious revolution” by Yasmin El Shazly, the deputy director of the American Research Center in Egypt, the religious shift during Amenhotep III’s rule leaned towards solar worship, with the Aten deity gaining prominence among others. However, open discussion of alternative gods, even Amun, the major deity, became almost forbidden. The Colossi of Memnon symbolize King Amenhotep III, Akhenaten’s father. Following Akhenaten’s passing, the city remained in use by subsequent pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, whose untouched tomb was unearthed by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings. The thoughts of the citizens who left their original home in So’oud Aten remain unclear. Hawass speculated that by sealing the doors, they may have anticipated a return and aimed to safeguard the city. Nevertheless, at the time, he noted that no one dared to voice objections to the pharaoh, as communication with the king was strictly controlled.
