Akhenaten’s reign was actually prosperous for Egypt
As if we needed another reason to be confused by why he was so hated, Akhenaten’s time as the pharaoh was one of the most glorious for ancient Egypt.
As the ancient Amarna Letters show, Akhenaten was skilled in international relations, a necessary skill for kings to extend their kingdoms and prevent wars.
Writing in 1999’s Pharaohs of the Sun: Akhenaten, Nefertiti, Tutankhamen, Rita Freed, Sue D’Auria, Yvonne Markowitz note that Akhenaten ushered in ancient Egypt’s wealthiest period.
