Akhenaten Foreign Policy: Sources

What sources of evidence do we have for Akhenaten's foreign policy?

• Karnak talatat

• Amarna Letters

• Buhen Stela

• Non-royal tombs

What is a common misconception regarding the talatat?

• They depict Amenhotep IV as a pacifist

• They show an armed conflict between Amenhotep IV and the Hittites

• They depict Amenhotep IV as a foreigner

• Artistic styles are maintained from earlier periods

What do scenes of foreigners in poses of adoration/bowing reveal?

• That Egyptians and foreigners bowed to each other.

• A new motif that is exceedingly uncommon

• They suggest that foreign people had back problems

• They highlight the dominance of the king over all foreign lands

What is the significance of smiting scenes?

• They demonstrate Egypt's dominance over the chaotic, foreign other

• They are uncommon motifs

• It depicted the king only

• Foreigners were active participants in the ceremony

Why are scenes that depict foreign musicians important?

• Demonstrates that foreigners were respected and included in important ceremonies

• Music was unifying

• They had six fingers to play the harp

• They had exclusive costumes related to their craft

The events on the Buhen Stela date to what regnal year of Akhenaten?

• Year 10

• Year 11

• Year 12

• Year 13

What does the Buhen Stela relate?

• A diplomatic marriage

• A royal visit

• A rebellion in Kush

• A flood

What type of foreign policy does the Buhen Stela adhere to?

• Diplomatic

• Trade

• Military

• Religious

What non-royal tombs contain a depiction of Akhenaten receiving gifts from foreign lands?

• Meryra II

• Huya

• Meryre I

• Ay

What sort of foreign policy do the non-royal tombs reveal?

• Diplomatic

• Trade

• Military

• Marriage alliances