How Tutankhamun Became A King

Akhenaten brought in great changes to a conservative land. He introduced the worship of the sun-disc, the Aten, as the official religion, removing the royal patronage from the god and priests of Amun. He moved the capital from Thebes and established a new capital 240 miles to the north, which he called Akhetaten "The Horizon of the Aten". He neglected to secure Egypt's borders, and chaos broke out, vassal princes broke away and the economy fell into ruins. Thus at his death, he had the establishment, the priesthood, and the people against him.

It was against this background that Tutankhamun succeeded to the throne. In line with Egyptian tradition he secured his position by marrying Ankhesenpaaten, who was a daughter of Nefertiti and hence probably his half sister.

After three years and with the guidance of Ay as regent many things had returned to the old order. The court was re-established at Thebes and the old religion of Amun was restored. Egypt gradually settled back to stability. Then, quite unexpectedly in his eighteenth year Tutankhamun died.