Atem was born around the millennium 1000 B.C. (3000 B.C. in the English anime) as son of king [[Aknamkanon]]. Atem became heir to the throne and the [[Millennium Puzzle]]. During his childhood he befriended [[Mana]] and was protected by [[Mahad]]. Atem was attacked by a snake, but Mahad took the hit. Atem then saved him by sucking the venom out. He and Priest Seto were also friends and rivals who compete with each other by testing their mystical skills.