Tel Hanaton - Etymology of Hanaton

Etymology of Hanaton

For much of the Middle Bronze Age this area of Ancient Israel was under the control of the Pharaohs of Egypt, either as provinces and City-States ruled by Egyptian Governors; or by Vassal Canaanite Kings who paid annual homage (tribute) to the Ruling Pharaoh. It is possible that the City was named for Pharaoh Amenhotep IV also known by the name Akhenaten, the Founder of a brief period of monotheism (Atenism) from the 18th dynasty of rulers of Egypt during 1352-1334 BC. The Name Hanaton (pronounced Khanaton) and the name Akhenaten have identical consonants, which in the Semitic Languages of the period is more significant than vowels, which may vary.