Which pharaoh tried to establish monotheism in Egypt?

The story behind the answer

Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV) is correct because he tried to replace Egypt’s traditional pantheon with the sole worship of the Aten, the sun disk. He even changed his name to “Akhenaten” (“Effective for Aten”), shut down temples to other gods—especially Amun—and founded a new capital, Akhetaten (modern Amarna). His reign sparked the Amarna artistic style, depicting the royal family in intimate, elongated forms.

After his death, the old religion returned: Tutankhamun restored the traditional gods and priesthood, Ramses II became famous for warfare and monumental building, and Hatshepsut focused on trade and monumental temples. Memory tip: Akhen-ATEN includes “ATEN,” the god he promoted—think “Akh-en-ATEN = only ATEN.”