Thoth

Temple of Seti I. Abydos.

Thoth, the scribe of the gods and patron of learning, is giving life (ankh) to Seti (not visible, to the left of photo). In Thoth's left hand he holds two sceptres, around which curl snakes that bear the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. Other rod-and-snake symbols from the ancient world include the caduceus and Aaron's rod. It's not clear how they are all related, but I think this would make a good thesis project.