Thoth

Thoth (from Koinē Greek: Θώθ Thṓth, borrowed from Coptic: Ⲑⲱⲟⲩⲧ Thōout, Egyptian: Ḏḥwtj, the reflex of ḏḥwtj "[he] is like the ibis") was an ancient Egyptian deity commonly depicted in art as a man with the head of an ibis or a baboon, animals considered sacred to him. His feminine counterpart was Seshat, and his wife was Ma'at. Thoth governed numerous domains including the Moon, wisdom, knowledge, writing, hieroglyphs, science, magic, art, and judgment.

Thoth's primary temple was situated in Hermopolis (Ancient Egyptian: ḫmnw /χaˈmaːnaw/, Egyptological pronunciation: "Khemenu", Coptic: Ϣⲙⲟⲩⲛ Shmun), later known as el-Ashmunein in Egyptian Arabic. Unfortunately, most of the temple was destroyed before the Christian era began. Its substantial pronaos remained standing until 1826 but was subsequently demolished and used as foundation fill for a sugar factory by the mid-19th century.

In Egyptian mythology, Thoth fulfilled several crucial roles, including maintaining the universe and standing alongside Ma'at on either side of Ra's solar barque. During later periods of ancient Egyptian history, Thoth became strongly associated with mediating disputes between gods, magical arts, writing systems, and judging the dead.