Understanding the Real Tell el-Amarna

Locals just call it el-Amarna. Tell el-Amarna is a rich site of Egyptian artifacts and was once a capital city of the ancient empire. About 250 miles south of Cairo.

Tell el-Amarna, Egypt

Did you know that what most people know as Tell el-Amarna is actually a mistaken way of identifying the site of Amarna or el-Amarna? What is to explain this name confusion?

First understand what the word “tell” means for Arabic. It literally translates to “city mound.” However, there has never been a mound of architecture discovered in the area, recently or even in past archeological evidence. What led to this misnaming? Experts speculate that it could be a universal misunderstanding of Et Til el Amarna, which is one of the modern villages located near the ruins.

That said, no matter what you call it, el Amarna is a must see on any budget tours, luxury tours or even private travels throughout Egypt. The area is famous for its ruins of what was once to be a new capital city for the Eighteenth Dynasty under the rule of Pharaoh Akhenaten. The name of the purported city was to be Akhetaten or “Horizon of the Aten.”

Pharaoh Akhenaten

Pharaoh Akhenaten was known throughout history as a “heretic Pharaoh” because he attempted to convert the nation of Egypt into mandatory monotheistic worship of a single God by the name of Aten. However, his plans didn’t succeed and by his death, Egypt had gone back to worshiping multiple Gods.

Interestingly, some speculate that Akhenaten may have been a predecessor of Judaism, with a few experts going so far as to speculate that Moses may have been an Atenist priest. (Some of these famous speculators include Sigmund Freud).

Amarna Art-style

Amarna art-style has also earned a reputation in Egypt history for introducing a more realistic presentation of subjects, a style that occasionally bordered on caricature. It was arguably the start of a new artistic movement in ancient Egypt. Even though the worship of Aten may have fizzled out it does appear as if the Aten-inspired artwork did persist and start to affect other Egyptian conventions.

Good to Know

What should you know about el-Amarna? You cannot stay at this location overnight, as there are no quality accommodations to speak of at present time. However, you can travel to nearby cities like Mallawi or Minya.

Bear in mind that because of present security issues, foreign visitors are usually escorted around by Tourist Police who are based at the el-Till ferry. Certain unescorted ways of travels may be discouraged or not allowed, depending on the circumstances.

There are many unique historical sites to see in el-Amarna so make plans to see this location on your guided Egyptian tours.

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