Aten, also known as Aton, was a sun god in ancient Egyptian religion. While the Aten was a minor deity for centuries, it became the focus of a unique and controversial religious system known as Atenism during the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten (formerly Amenhotep IV) of the Eighteenth Dynasty. Key Aspects of Atenism Monotheistic Worship: Akhenaten elevated Aten to the status of the sole god of the Egyptian state religion. This was a radical departure from the traditional polytheistic beliefs, where a pantheon of gods was worshipped. Symbolism: Aten was not depicted in a human or animal form like other Egyptian gods. Instead, it was represented as a sun disc with rays extending downward, often terminating in hands that offered the ankh (the symbol of life) to the pharaoh and his family. This symbolized Aten's role as the life-giving force of the universe. The Great Hymn to the Aten: This famous hymn, believed to have been written by Akhenaten himself, praises Aten as the creator ...