Amun

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Amun

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Amun
The air, sun, and sky
Major cult center	Thebes
Symbol	Ram, goose
Personal information
Consort	Mut
Children	Khonsu

Amun (also Amon, Ammon, Amen) is a major ancient Egyptian deity who appears as a member of the Hermopolitan Ogdoad and the Theban Triad. He was one of the most important gods in ancient Egyptian religion, particularly during the New Kingdom period.

Origins and Development

Amun's origins are somewhat obscure, but he is believed to have been a local deity of Thebes. His name means "The Hidden One," reflecting his association with the invisible air and wind. Amun rose to prominence during the Middle Kingdom, when Thebes became a significant political and religious center.

Role and Attributes

Amun was often depicted as a man with a double-plumed crown, sometimes with a ram's head or as a ram. He was associated with the air, sun, and sky, and was considered a creator god. Amun was also linked to fertility and was sometimes depicted as a goose, another symbol of creation.

Theban Triad

Amun was part of the Theban Triad, along with his consort Mut and their son Khonsu. This triad was worshipped primarily in Thebes, where the great temple complex of Karnak was dedicated to Amun.

Amun-Ra

During the New Kingdom, Amun became syncretized with the sun god Ra, forming the composite deity Amun-Ra. This fusion elevated Amun to the status of a national god, and he was worshipped as the king of the gods and the protector of the pharaoh.

Temples and Worship

The most significant temple dedicated to Amun is the Karnak Temple Complex in Thebes. This vast complex includes the Great Hypostyle Hall, the Sacred Lake, and numerous other structures. The annual Opet Festival celebrated the journey of Amun from Karnak to the Luxor Temple, symbolizing the rejuvenation of the pharaoh and the land.

Decline and Legacy

Amun's worship declined during the Late Period and the subsequent Greco-Roman period, as other deities such as Isis and Osiris gained prominence. However, his legacy persisted, and he continued to be revered in various forms, including in the Temple of Hibis in the Kharga Oasis.

Related Pages

• Ancient Egyptian religion
• Ra
• Mut
• Khonsu
• Karnak
• Thebes
• Ogdoad