Peter's heroes:Akhenaten

Religion, morals and ethics are an important part of my life.

As a committed ethical vegetarian since I was 17, although not evangelical, most people quickly become aware of this central quality of my life.

I am a committed Catholic, my mother was Italian and my full name is Simon Peter like the first Pope, Jesus' right hand man. I have made a number of pilgrimages to Simon Peter's tomb in St Peter's basilica in Rome, and am very proud to bear the name of so good a patron saint. It is a hard name to live up to. :-)

I consider life to be a sacred gift from God, and do not recognise any mere human's right to remove that life from another sentient being, whether another human or a poor defenceless animal. I support various campaigning organisations such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, as well as commercial organisations such as Body Shop that are helping to make a difference.

The background is derived from a limestone relief found in room 4 of the Royal Tomb at Amarna (the modern name for the site of Akhetaten, Akhenaten's new capital city). It shows King Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti making floral offerings before altars heaped with flowers, beneth the radiant disc of the sun-god Aten, who brings symbols of life and power by means of his rays. This is from the earlier half of Akhenaten's reign, when the style was a little bizarre. The scene of the king and queen along with their daughters worshipping the Aten is a characteristic icon of their reign.

If you're interested in Akhenaten's interests rather than mine then there is some interesting material in the Mansoor collection of Amarna art. An interesting fictional approach to explain the missing eyes from Nefertiti's famous bust is available at Nefertiti's Eye. You may also be interested in pursuing some of the archaeological links I have added to my hotlist.

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Now playing Bach Sonata in Eb (midi file © Words & Music)

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	As a committed ethical vegetarian since I was 17, although not evangelical, most people quickly become aware of this central quality of my life.
	I am a committed Catholic, my mother was Italian and my full name is Simon Peter like the first Pope, Jesus' right hand man. I have made a number of pilgrimages to Simon Peter's tomb in St Peter's basilica in Rome, and am very proud to bear the name of so good a patron saint. It is a hard name to live up to. :-)
	I consider life to be a sacred gift from God, and do not recognise any mere human's right to remove that life from another sentient being, whether another human or a poor defenceless animal. I support various campaigning organisations such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, as well as commercial organisations such as Body Shop that are helping to make a difference.