8 Quotes & Sayings By Akhenaton

Akhenaton (Ancient Egyptian: ?; English pronunciation: ) was an Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh during the Amarna Period, a time when Egypt was in decline. Evidence suggests that he may have been the son of Amenhotep IV, although this remains uncertain. His father's regnal name is unknown, but is likely Hut-ka-Ptah. Akhenaton was born in or before 1336 BC in a small village northwest of Thebes called Huh (Modern English name: El-Amarna). The future pharaoh spent much of his early life within his own palace which he built at Akhetaten (modern Tell el-Amarna), but he participated in the military campaigns in the western region of Nubia Read more

His father died when he was young, and he was raised by his mother who may have been named Huy. Akhenaton married several of his sisters after the death of their parents, but none of these marriages produced any children. He had four daughters in all in different marriages, who are known as the "Great Royal Wives". They were Meritaten, Meketaten , Ankhesenpaaten , and Nefertiti .

The Great Royal Wife Meritaten probably died before her husband's fifth year on the throne. Akhenaton's tomb has not been located. A stela discovered by Flinders Petrie in 1912 shows that he may have been buried close to another royal tomb at Thebes (modern Luxor) which also contained Queen Tiy (the wife of Amenhotep III), making it likely that they were buried together.

1
When virtue and modesty enlighten her charms, the lustre of a beautiful woman is brighter than the stars of heaven, and the influence of her power it is in vain to resist. Akhenaton
2
Those who gave thee a body, furnished it with weakness; but He who gave thee Soul, armed thee with resolution. Employ it, and thou art wise; be wise and thou art happy. Akhenaton
3
True wisdom is less presuming than folly. The wise man doubteth often, and changeth his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubteth not; he knoweth all things but his own ignorance. Akhenaton
4
To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increaseth his riches, increaseth his cares; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not. Akhenaton
5
Be thou incapable of change in that which is right, and men will rely upon thee. Establish unto thyself principles of action; and see that thou ever act according to them. First know that thy principles are just, and then be thou. Akhenaton
6
Indulge not thyself in the passion of anger; it is whetting a sword to wound thine own breast, or murder thy friend. Akhenaton
7
Say not that honor is the child of boldness, nor believe thou that the hazard of life alone can pay the price of it: it is not to the action that it is due, but to the manner of performing it. Akhenaton