Montu, also known as Mont or Monthu, was the ancient Egyptian god of war, revered especially during the Middle Kingdom.

Depicted as a falcon-headed man crowned with two tall plumes and a sun disk, or sometimes as a fierce bull symbolizing unstoppable strength, Montu embodied military power, courage, and royal authority in battle.

His main cult centers were in Thebes, Armant, Tod, and Medamud, where pharaohs honored him as a divine protector who granted victory. Several warrior-kings—most notably Mentuhotep II, who unified Egypt—took their names from Montu to emphasize his favor.

Often associated with the scorching, destructive heat of the sun, Montu represented the force and ferocity needed to defend the land, making him one of Egypt’s most formidable and respected deities.