Manfred Clauss (1945–2025)

Manfred Clauss (16 August 1945 – 20 January 2025) was a scholar who made an outstanding contribution to the study of ancient history, from ancient Egypt to the digitalisation of epigraphic sources, in terms of breadth, scope (over 25 monographs and edited volumes) and significance. He represented the subject of ancient history at the universities of Siegen (1980–84), Eichstätt (1984–87), the Free University of Berlin (1987–93) and finally in Frankfurt am Main (1993–2005).

His research focused particularly on the history of ancient religions, which he explored in monographic studies on, among others, ancient Egypt, ancient Israel, imperial cult, Mithras, and Christianity in ancient and modern times. On the other hand, he was concerned with the lives and politics of a wide range of personalities, whom he examined biographically, such as Ramses, Cleopatra, Constantine, Athanasius, and the Roman emperors. Further studies were devoted to the ancient statehood of ancient Egypt, ancient Israel, Sparta and late ancient Rome.

His favourite subject, however, was Latin inscriptions. In addition to a large number of detailed studies, he has rendered outstanding services to the preservation and use of inscriptions in digital form by founding the world's leading database of epigraphic evidence (EDCS).

We will sorely miss his incredible work ethic, ingenuity and noble dignity.

Anne Kolb, University of Zurich, 22 January 2025