Amun (also Amon, Ammon, Amen, Amun-Ra) is the ancient Egyptian god of the sun and air. He is one of the most important gods of ancient Egypt who rose to prominence at Thebes at the beginning of the period of the New Kingdom (c. 1570-1069 BCE). His cult was the most powerful and popular in Egypt for centuries.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 2400 BCE - c. 2300 BCEAmun first mentioned in the Egyptian work known as The Pyramid Texts.
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1570 BCE - 1069 BCEAmun rises in prominence in Egypt as the most powerful king of the gods during the New Kingdom.
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c. 1570 BCEAhmose I of Thebes drives the Hyksos from Egypt and unifies the nation under Theban rule, ushering in the New Kingdom of Egypt and attributing his victory to Amun.
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c. 1353 BCEAmenhotep IV changes his name to Akhenaten, establishes the monotheistic cult of Aten, banishes other cults especially that of Amun.
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c. 1336 BCETutankhamun re-establishes the old Egyptian religion after the death of Akhenaten; cult of Amun resumes.
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331 BCEAlexander the Great declares himself the Son of Zeus-Ammon at Siwa Oasis.
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c. 285 BCEKing Ergamenes slaughters the priests of Amun at Napata, breaks with Egypt.
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c. 415 CECult of Amun proscribed by the new religion of Christianity.
