Within a generation after the death of Akhenaton, Atonism was dead, and its leading exponent was contemptuously called, “that criminal of Akhetaton.” The religion never had a popular base, and that disintegration of the empire might effectively be charged to the displeasure of Amon at his neglect. The government was moved back to Thebes, and Akhenaton’s son-in-law, Tutankhaton (“the living image of Aton”), became Tutankhamon (“the living image of Amon”). The cycle was now complete. Thebes and Amon had been restored to their former place of supremacy, the monuments erected by Akhenaton were defaced and the Aton temple was removed stone by stone. By the time of Moses, Akhetaton was abandoned completely, and Atonism had been forgotten. [Illustration: Akhenaton Worshiping Aton. Akhenaton, his wife Nofretete, and one of their daughters stand with hands raised as they present offerings to Aton. Rays from the sun disk end in hands, two of which hold the Egyptian sign of life (ankh) before the faces of the Pharaoh and his queen.] V THE HYMN TO THE ATON Our most important source for knowledge of the Aton cult is found in the tombs of the nobles east of Akhetaton. These tombs include reliefs bearing hymns in praise to Aton and to his son, Akhenaton. Either the Pharaoh composed them himself, or they were composed by courtiers who had completely assimilated the religious convictions which were basic to his reforms. The so-called long hymn to Aton not only extols the glories of the god of Akhenaton, but it also contains expressions which have become a part of Egyptian, and even Hebrew devotional literature. The Long Hymn was inscribed on the walls of the tomb prepared for the priest and courtier Eye who had known Akhenaton from his youth.[10] James H. Breasted suggested that it was an excerpt from the ritual of the Aton temple.[11] The Splendor and Power of Aton Thou dawnest beautifully on the horizon of heaven, Oh living Aton, the beginner of life. When thou risest on the eastern horizon Thou fillest every land with thy beauty. Thou art beautiful, great, glittering, and high over every land. Thy rays encompass the lands to the limit of all that thou hast made. Thou art Re, and thou reachest to their end.[12] Thou subjectest them to thy beloved son.[13] Though thou art far away, thy rays are on the earth; Though thou art before men, no one sees thy movements. Nighttime When thou settest in the western horizon The earth is in darkness, like death.[14] The night is passed in a bed-chamber with heads covered. One eye sees not the other. All their belongings which are under their heads might be stolen, And they would not know it. Every lion comes forth from his den,[15] and all snakes bite. Darkness broods, the earth is still, While he who made them rests in his horizon. Daytime