University of Central Florida (UCF) WOH2012 World Civilization I Exam 1 Practice

Akhenaten and Nefertiti are most famously known for introducing a significant religious shift in ancient Egypt that centered on the worship of Aton, the sun god. This new belief system, often described as henotheism, did not completely discard other deities but instead emphasized Aton as the supreme god, encouraging people to focus their worship on him alone.

Their promotion of Aton as the sole deity represented a radical departure from the traditional polytheistic practices of ancient Egypt, which included a pantheon of gods and goddesses. This change was not just a religious transformation; it also had political implications as Akhenaten sought to diminish the power of the established priesthoods of other gods, which threatened his authority. The artistic and cultural expressions during this period also reflect this shift, showcasing Aton in a more central and elevated role in their society.

Thus, the focus on Aton during Akhenaten's reign, as led by both him and Nefertiti, is indicative of their distinct religious beliefs, making henotheism centered around the sun-god Aton the correct answer.