The ancient Egyptian god Montu was the chief god of Waset, called Thebes by the Greeks (modern Luxor); he appeared as early as the Middle Kingdom (11th dynasty). The most significant literary evidence referring to Montu was “the story of Sinuhe,” when he was praised by the tale's hero after he defeated “the strong man.” His name was associated with the name of the founder of this dynasty, Mentuhotep II, whose name means “god Montu is in peace.”

King Mentuhotep II, who was from Waset, succeeded in unifying both Upper and Lower Egypt after a period of chaos known as the First Intermediate period. Upon ascending the throne, he moved the capital from Middle Egypt to Waset, and he chose the local god of the area ...