An interpretation of the Amarna religion as the continuation of Amunhotep III's deification program

The purpose of this study is to advance an interpretation of the Amarna religion derived from the religious forms present during its emergence. This paper demonstrates that Amunhotep III played a paramount role in Akhenaten's sun cult. The living deification of Amunhotep III in Year 30 of his reign marks the true beginning of Akhenaten's religious program. The underlying mythology informing Amunhotep III's rebirth as the sun god come back to earth generates a theological link between Amunhotep III and his son Akhenaten. Ancient Amarna is part of the cultic apparatus necessary for the continuation of Amunhotep III's deification process. The god of Amarna is the living, deified Amunhotep III, and the Amarna religion itself is the continuation and implementation of his deification program.