Tell El-Amarna was the new capital founded by King Akhenaten. It is a flat piece of land that lies 45 kilometers or 28 miles south of Beni-Hassan next to the Nile Valley. Tell El-Amarna's former name was Akhetaten, meaning horizon of Aten. Remains of the old capital still exist.

A few ruined villas can be seen at the north end of the site, opposite the outer wall of the Royal River Palace where the king appears to have dwelt. Fine stucco pavements from these villas are displayed in the Egyptian Museum.

A group of tombs was also discovered at Tell El-Amarna. The most important are situated to the north, such as the tombs of Merire, Ahmose, and Pentu. The royal family tomb, which is thought to have been dug for the king and his family, is also there.