Amun is the Egyptian name for a major ancient deity, variant of Amon. The name derives from the Egyptian jmn (reconstructed as Yamanu) meaning "the hidden one," reflecting Amun's initial role as a god of the air and mystery. Etymology and Origins Amun was originally one of eight deities of the Hermopolitan Ogdoad, representing primordial creation forces. The name's meaning, "the hidden one," alludes to his invisible nature as a air god. The Greek form Ἄμμων (Ammon) was adopted by the Greeks from the Egyptian, leading to the Latin Ammon and later English Amun or Amon. Rise to Supreme Deity During the 11th Dynasty (c. 21st century BC), when Thebes became a political center, Amun replaced the god Montu as the city's patron deity. His worship expanded dramatically after Thebes successfully rebelled against the Hyksos and under Pharaoh Ahmose I (16th century BC) Amun acquired national importance. This led to his syncretism with the sun god Ra, creating the composite deity Amun-Ra (also Amun-Re), who was considered the king of the gods and a supreme solar god. Amun-Ra held chief importance throughout the New Kingdom, though there were brief exceptions during Akhenaten's Atenist revolution. Oracles and Temples Amun's great temple complex at Thebes (Karnak) was one of the largest religious structures in the ancient world. The Oracle of Amun at the Siwa Oasis in the Western Desert gained fame across the Mediterranean, with historical figures like Alexander the Great consulting it. Amun was often depicted as a man wearing a crown with two vertical plumes, or sometimes as a ram or goose. Related Names Variants and related names include Amen, Ammon, Amon, and Yamanu. Feminine forms are Amonet, Amunet, and Yamanut. The name Amen, from Egyptian and Coptic, also appears in Christian liturgy as a final affirmation, but is unrelated etymologically to Amun. Meaning: "the hidden one" (Egyptian origin) Origin: Ancient Egyptian Type: Divine name Usage regions: Egypt Related: Variant of Amon; composite deity Amun-Ra