William Durand-Poole

But the Aten doesn't do that because the Aten can't acknowledge a sky goddess.

So what happens when darkness comes, you know?

Yes, yes, indeed.

But I think if we were to try to find a question, what's the question Akhenaten is putting for this new theology?

It is, what am I all about then?

That's the feeling I get, you know?

That's what he's asking.

What am I?

Where am I in all of this cosmic thing?

And he finds his answer in the sun disc.

The other thing that's really conspicuous is when he builds Achidach and Amarna, all the court go up.

Obviously, there must have been cohorts of priests of Amun left behind wondering what the hell is going on now and what's going to happen to our land and our powers and our families.

But he puts around him a cohort of priests and courtiers who are sycophants to the letter, you know, which again is something that we see in current politics as well, isn't it?

And if people are not saying to him, are you sure you want to do this?

Because we know that international reputation of Egypt just sinks.

The Amarna letters show that Egypt is in crisis in this period because Akhenaten has no interest.

in pursuing military pursuits or even just settling the colonial expansions of this period.

Absolutely.

And Pharaoh has not responded.

Oh, my Lord, I crawl upon my belly seven times and seven times like a dog.