Atonism

Atonism is a religious belief established by the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten in the 14th century BCE. It centers around the worship of Aten, the sun disk, as the sole deity. Unlike traditional Egyptian polytheism, which honored many gods, Atonism emphasized monotheism, advocating for a direct relationship between the individual and Aten. Akhenaten's reforms led to significant cultural and artistic changes, as well as the closure of temples dedicated to other gods. After his reign, Atonism declined, and Egypt returned to its polytheistic practices. Atonism is often seen as a precursor to later monotheistic religions.