About four years into his reign, the Pharaoh Amenhotep IV changed his name to Akhenaten. He was responsible for the most drastic changes in ancient Egypt, a society that prided itself on the ideals of tradition and stability. This is known as the Amarna period. Religion also changed dramatically during this period; Akhenaten abolished the worship of many gods and brought about a monotheistic religion. His new god was called, Aten. Aten was described as being the creative force in the universe. It manifested itself as a solar disc with rays extending out, ending as hands.