Jan Assmann (1938–2024). Ägyptologe – Kulturwissenschaftler – Religionshistoriker

This article is dedicated to the life and work of Egyptologist and cultural scholar Jan Assmann, who died in 2024 at the age of 85. It places Assmanns cultural-historical theses, such as those on cultural memory and the Mosaic distinction, in the context of his Egyptological work, beginning with his biographical stages and how he was influenced by his Egyptology teachers Georges Posener and Eberhard Otto. Particularly prominent among his research contributions are his studies on Egyptian religion, for which he developed the significant concept of cosmotheism. Furthermore, tribute is also paid to the contribution of Aleida Assmann, whose constant dialogue with her husband helped develop his influential cultural-historical theories.