King Akhenaton, originally known as Amenhotep IV, ruled Egypt during the 18th Dynasty (circa 1351-1334 BCE). His reign is notable for its radical departure from traditional Egyptian religious and cultural practices, making him one of the most controversial pharaohs in ancient Egyptian history. Akhenaton ascended the throne as Amenhotep IV but later changed his name to Akhenaton, meaning "Effective for Aton." His primary reform was the establishment of a monotheistic worship of the sun disk, Aton, in place of the traditional polytheistic beliefs. He moved the capital from Thebes to a newly built city called Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna) to honor Aton. Under Akhenaton, there was a significant shift in art and culture. The art style became more naturalistic, departing from the idealized forms of previous periods. This new style reflected the king’s vision of a more personal and intimate relationship between the king and the divine. The religious reforms disrupted the power of the traditional priesthood, especially those of Amun, who had been influential in Thebes. This led to resistance and unrest among the populace and the priestly class. Akhenaton's policies also affected Egypt’s foreign relations, as his focus on religious reform led to neglect in diplomacy and military affairs. After Akhenaton’s death, his successor, Tutankhamun, restored traditional polytheistic worship, and Akhenaton’s reforms were largely dismantled. His name was removed from records, and his city of Akhetaten was abandoned. Despite this, Akhenaton’s reign remains significant for its bold experimentation with religious and artistic innovation. King Akhenaton’s reign was a period of dramatic change and experimentation in ancient Egypt. While his religious reforms were short-lived, they represented a bold challenge to the status quo and left a lasting legacy in both art and religious history.