Atum, whose name translates as the All, or Perfection, was a creator god of the ancient Egyptians. His cult at Heliopolis (city of the sun) dates back to the Old Kingdom. This was the age of pyramid building. It ended around 4000 years ago.
Atum was the father of feather-headed god Shu and the goddess Tefnut, who became the mother of Nut and grandmother of Isis, Osiris, Nephthys and Set. Atum's symbols include the ape, bull, mongoose and snake.
He was also associated with the sun, especially the dying sun of evening. This symbolized his attribute of daily and rebirth.
Atum was revered in the funerary cult, as Ancient Egyptians hoped to emulate his ability to regenerate after death.