Definition: Amenhotep IV Neferkherure Waenre was the son and co-regent of Pharaoh Amenhotep III Nebmaatre. He married Nefertiti with whom he is thought to have had six daughters (Meritaten, Meketaten, Akhesenpaaten, Nefernefruaten-Tasherit, Nefernefrure, and Setepenre). He moved his capital to the city of Aten Akhetaten (now, Tell el-Amarna) where he worshiped the sun god Aten as the single creator god for which reason he is referred to as the heretic king.
He ruled Egypt during the Eighteenth Dynasty. Smenkhare became his co-regent and may have ruled after him, but Tutankhamen is considered the successor of Amenhotep IV.
Akhenaten is on the list of Most Important People to Know in Ancient History.
Also Known As: Akhenaten
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Amenhotep IV is better known as the heretic king Akhenaten.
