It is our sad duty to announce the death of our esteemed colleague, Prof. Dr. Dr. Martin Krause, a towering figure in the field of Coptology. Renowned as both a teacher and a scholar, Professor Krause’s life and work profoundly shaped Coptic studies during many decades. His intellectual profile was defined by a remarkable breadth of interests, deep expertise, and an exceptional foresight for recognizing emerging areas within the field of Coptology.
Martin Krause was the doyen and last survivor of a generatio mirabilis of Coptologists originating from former Eastern Germany. He earned his doctorates in Egyptology (1956) and Theology (1958) from the Universities of Leipzig and Berlin and received his venia legendi in Coptology in 1965 at the University of Münster. Through his pioneering PhD thesis on the correspondence of Apa Abraham of Hermonthis and his DD thesis on 9th-century sale contracts from Bawit, Krause revitalized the field of Coptic papyrology, breathing new life into a discipline that had been largely abandoned.
During his tenure as referent of Coptology for the German Archaeological Institute in Cairo (1958–1963), Krause embarked on the study of the Nag Hammadi codices, contributing to this area of research from its inception. His work on Coptic funerary stelae from Nubia laid a strong foundation for the study of Coptic epigraphy and catalyzed the growth of Nubian studies. In 1970, he became the University of Münster’s first Professor of Coptology, founding what would become a world-renowned center for the study of Coptic culture, language, and history. At the Münster Institute for Egyptology and Coptology, he established specialized research centers in Coptic textiles and Manichaean studies, reflecting his vision of Coptology as a holistic and interdisciplinary field. Under his guidance, Schlaunstraße became synonymous with one of the world’s most comprehensive libraries and centers for Coptic studies.
Generations of students and scholars who trained under Professor Krause hold him in the highest regard, remembering him as a dedicated teacher and a deeply supportive mentor. Together with his wife, Brigitte, he established the Brigitte und Martin Krause Stiftung in 1992, a foundation dedicated to supporting the advancement of Coptic studies. He survived Brigitte by nine years. In 1996, the year of his retirement, he organized the 6th International Congress of Coptic Studies, a global event that further solidified Münster’s reputation in the field.
Professor Krause held numerous esteemed roles in our association, serving as its first president (1976–1980), congress secretary (1992–1996), and editor-treasurer (1996–2000), before being named honorary president in 2000, a title he held until his passing.
Martin Krause leaves behind a monumental contribution to Coptology, a field that has been permanently shaped by his scholarship, vision, and dedication. He passed away at the age of 94, leaving a profound void in our community, but an enduring legacy that will inspire future generations of Coptologists.
The funeral service for Professor Krause will be held at Münster’s Central Cemetery on Tuesday, 19 November, at 11:30 am.