Akhnaton, King of Egypt. 1927

"Akhnaton, King of Egypt" is a historical novel written by Dmitri Merezhkovsky, a Russian novelist, poet, and philosopher. It explores the life and reign of Akhenaten (also spelled Akhnaton), an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty who ruled during the New Kingdom period, around the 14th century BCE.

Akhenaten is known for his religious reforms, particularly his attempt to shift Egypt's polytheistic religion towards the worship of Aten, the sun god, as the supreme deity. This period in Egyptian history is often referred to as the "Amarna Period" or the "Amarna Revolution."

Merezhkovsky's novel delves into the complexities of Akhenaten's reign, his religious beliefs, his relationship with his wife Nefertiti, and the political and social changes he implemented. The novel also explores the opposition Akhenaten faced from traditionalists and the eventual downfall of his revolutionary religious movement.

Dmitri Merezhkovsky was known for his historical novels that often combined elements of mysticism, philosophy, and psychological insight. "Akhnaton, King of Egypt" is considered one of his major works, showcasing his deep interest in exploring the lives of historical figures and the ideas that shaped their times.