Final answer:
Aten's role as the sole god during Akhenaten's reign represents an early form of monotheism and prompted significant cultural, religious, and artistic changes in ancient Egypt.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aten's Influence on the World
Aten, the sun god, is central to one of the most significant religious upheavals in ancient Egypt, initiated by Pharaoh Akhenaten. The monotheism established by Akhenaten was revolutionary in a traditionally polytheistic society. By elevating Aten as the sole deity and making himself and his queen Nefertiti the sole intermediaries, Akhenaten redefined divine kingship and impacted the religious and social structures of the ancient world.
Although Akhenaten's religious reforms did not survive long after his reign, they represent an important instance of monotheistic thought. His ideas prefigure the monotheism of the Abrahamic religions. The concept of a single, all-powerful deity marked a significant shift from prior Egyptian theology, which included a diverse pantheon of gods.
Akhenaten's reign also led to artistic innovation, with representations of Aten displaying a sun disk with hands reaching out. These artistic creations symbolize the god's life-giving force. It is in these representations that the departure from traditional Egyptian art is most apparent, reflecting a more personalized relationship with the divine.