Overview:

Amarna City is an ancient town located in the Nile Delta, in the area of Minya, Egypt. The city was likely founded by either Amenhotep III or his son Akhenaten, in the 14th century B.C.E., and served as the latter’s religious and administrative center during the Amarna Period. Akhenaten’s wife Nefertiti and several of his children were buried at Amarna, and the city contains some of the most famous examples of the artistic style associated with the Amarna Period. Following the death of Akhenaten and the fall of the Amarna Period, the city fell into ruins. Today, the site is an important archaeological site, with excavations uncovering many important artifacts. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. The Great Aten Temple – One of the most impressive architectural monuments of Amarna, the Great Aten Temple was built to honor and worship the sun-disk "Aten". The temple was built in the shape of an “L” and dedicated to Akhenaten and his wife Queen Nefertiti. 2. The Royal Tomb – Built at the edge of the Amarna desert, the Royal Tomb houses the remains of Akhenaten and other prominent members of his family. 3. The Mansion of Gold – A rare example of a man-made structure made entirely from limestone blocks, the Mansion of Gold is an impressive reminder of the advancement in art and architecture of this ancient city. 4. The Small Aten Temple – Located opposite the Great Aten Temple, the Small Aten Temple was built with smaller dimensions and simpler decorations. 5. The Amarna Funerary Temple – This temple served as an ancient cemetery for many members of Akhenaten’s family and court. The walls of the temple are decorated with figures of gods, goddesses, and important officials. 6. The Great Palace – Built for Queen Nefertiti, the Great Palace was one of the grandest buildings in the city of Amarna. It was also the home of the royal family members and a gathering place for important ceremonies and occasions. 7. The Amarna Tombs – Often referred to as the "tombs of the city", the numerous tombs around the city were where members of the ancient Amarna court were buried. 8. The Akhenaten Monument – A large stela, or inscribed stone, that honors Akhenaten, the ruler of Amarna at the height of its power. It is said to have been constructed to signify the power of the Ancient Egyptian Empire. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The archaeological site of Amarna is located in the city of Minya in Upper Egypt. It is an ancient city from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth dynasties of ancient Egypt and the capital of Pharaoh Akhenaten ( 1353-1336 BC). Following Akhenaten’s death, the site was abandoned by his followers and left empty until it was rediscovered in 1817 by Italian explorer Bernardino Drovetti. The city of Amarna was founded by Akhenaten, known as the heretic Pharaoh, as he sought to worship the Aten (the sun disc) instead of the traditional Egyptian gods. The city was laid out according to a planned urban design, with the royal palace at its center. Akhenaten and his family lived in the royal palace, while smaller structures surrounded it. As the capital, Amarna was a political and religious hub, with temples for Akhenaten’s new religion as well as administrative buildings and a graffito-filled Necropolis. The city of Amarna is absued by careful study of the stonemason's marks present on many of the blocks of stone. Such signs allow archaeologists to be able to trace where the stones within the city's construction came from. Most of the material used to construct the city came from locations over 100 kilometres from the city, and many blocks were recycled from other temples within the region. The archaeological site of Amarna provides unique insight into the religious reforms of Akhenaten and the daily life in this important hub of ancient Egypt. Although many of the buildings at the site have been destroyed by looting and natural weathering, there are still many structures that give us a glimpse into the fascinating history of this ancient city. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Amarna City was a short-lived capital of Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten. 2. It is the most extensively excavated and studied example of a city planned in ancient Egypt. 3. The city was constructed in 1350 BC and abandoned within a short 20 years of its creation. 4. The ruins of Amarna City are located some distance south of Cairo, in the central Egyptian province of Minya. 5. The Amarna style of art and architecture is recognisable from its vibrant blue and vivid colours. 6. Of all the tombs excavated in Amarna City, the tomb of Akhenaten’s son Tutankhamun is renowned for its abundance of precious artifacts. 7. Amarna City was essentially an experiment in religious reform. Akhenaten declared himself the sole god of Egypt and forced the populace to worship him instead of the established pantheon of gods. 8. Pharaoh Akhenaten also introduced a form of writing, called hieroglyphics, that was unheard of in Egypt up till that time. 9. The city was eventually abandoned due to political upheaval and the population moved back to the capital in Thebes. 10. Today, Amarna City remains an important archaeological site for researchers, attracting thousands of visitors annually. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era