[Chapter 1] The Eighteenth Dynasty

Sculptures and paintings from ancient Egyptian civilizations glorified Pharaohs, their dynasties, and their tombs where they were buried to begin their afterlives. Most Pharaohs were portrayed without emotion in their facial expression.

Pharaohs were the living embodiments of Gods. They controlled all land and resources and concentrated their mortal lives preparing for their afterlives. There is one dynasty in particular that stood out more than any other, the Eighteenth Dynasty under Amenhotep, who later changed his name to Akhenaten. His dynasty did concentrate on many of the same things that other dynasties did, except that the Eighteenth dynasty chose to have a very normal side of their lives recorded, Family life.

In the above painted limestone relief, Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and Their Children Worshiping the Sun, Akhenaten is shown demonstrating that softer and common side of his life. Although Nefertiti was not Akhenaten’s only wife, it is quite apparent that he favored her and their children. Akhenaten is shown interacting with his family just like any other family would. He shows such tender affection toward his daughter, while Nefertiti has their other two children on her lap and shoulder. It was uncommon for royalty to display emotion in their art. Although they are clearly royal, apparent through their head dresses, they show that more domestic aspect of their lives, an aspect of life that even a commoner could relate to.

Above is a sculpture of Queen Nefertiti. She looks elegant, sensitive, and distinguished. This sculpture is yet another portrayal of how the eighteenth dynasty had a more relaxed reign compared to other dynasties before. In my opinion, the Eighteenth Dynasty is definitely the dynasty that I would have liked to live under, just because it would have been nice to live under rulers that could relate to a more normal side of life.