AMMON, or Hammon, in Antiquity, an Epithet given to Jupiter in Libya; where was the celebrated Temple of Jupiter Ammon. There has been a great Dispute about the Origin of this Name.—Some derive it from the Greek ammos, Sand; in regard the Temple was situate in the burning Sands of Libya: Others borrow it from the Egyptian Avam, a Ram; as having been first discovered by that Animal.—Others will have Ammon to signify the Sun; and the Horns wherewith he is represented, the Sun-beams. However this be, the god Ammon was usually represented under the Figure of a Ram; tho in some Medals he appears of a human Shape, having only two Rams Horns growing out beneath his Ears.
