Hermonthis

The modern town of Armant (ancient Egyptian Iuny; Coptic: ⲉⲣⲙⲉⲛⲧ Erment; known in Greek as Hermonthis), is located about 12 miles south of Thebes, in Egypt. It was an important Middle Kingdom town, which was enlarged during the Eighteenth Dynasty. It is located today in the Luxor Governorate, on the west bank of the Nile. The modern name of the city derives from Iunu-Montu.

Montu was an Egyptian god whose name means "nomad". Montu was associated with raging bulls, strength and war. He was also said to manifest himself in a white bull with a black face, which was referred to as the Bakha. Egypt's greatest general-kings called themselves Mighty Bulls, the sons of Montu. In the famous narrative of the Battle of Kadesh, Ramesses II was said to have seen the enemy and "raged at them like Montu, Lord of Thebes".

A temple dedicated to Montu existed at Hermonthis as early as the Eleventh dynasty, which perhaps originated at Hermonthis. Nebhetepra Mentuhotep II is the earliest builder known with certainty. Important additions were made during the Twelfth dynasty and during the New Kingdom. Destroyed during the Late Period, a new temple was started in the reign of Nectanebo II and was continued by the Ptolemies. Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XV Caesarion added a birth house with a sacred lake. The building remained visible until the Nineteenth Century, when it was recycled to build a sugar factory. Only the remains of the pylon of Thutmose III are visible today.

Armant (dog)

Armant (also known as Egyptian Sheepdog) is a medium-sized breed of herding dog.

History

Armants originate from Egypt and were originally used as guard dogs. It is believed to be a descendant of European dogs, that were introduced by Napoleon's troops, crossed with Briards. They are named after the town of Armant in Egypt. The breed's fearlessness when confronted by predators as well as its loyalty see them put to use in Egypt as guard dogs.

Description

A typical dog is 21 and 23 inches (53 and 58 cm) at the withers and weighs between 50 and 65 pounds (23 and 29 kg). It has a large head, small eyes and a deep, broad chest. The ears differ in each one and there is no standard concerning the ears (they may be erect or drooped). Armants can be of multiple colours, the most common of which are the black, black and tan, gray and gray-yellow variations. Armants are a very agile breed. The breed is very obedient and quite protective of its territory, which it will fearlessly defend.