"Eine Schreckliche Zeit ist eingebrochen"

Lars Schreiber Pedersen: “Eine schreckliche Zeit ist eingebrochen”.H.O. Lange’s correspondence with Adolf Erman 1914‑1919
 Taking outset in the comprehensive between Egyptologist andchief librarian at Royal Library from 1901 to 1924, H.O. Lange (1863‑1943), and hisGerman mentor professor Egyptology University of Berlin, Erman(1854‑1937), this article focuses on their during four years theFirst World War (1914‑18) first year peace 1919.The letters long-time colleagues friends are far fully preserved,but they still provide a good insight into views predominant talking pointof time – war, especially who held responsible for much misery andhorror war. Furthermore, provides an internationalacademia under pressure, particular Egyptology, where international researchcollaboration came halt outbreak Germany’s longstanding leadingposition within field was challenged.For before war summerof 1914 had been quite satisfying academically. In March, although he otherwiseoften felt rather academically isolated Copenhagen, opportunity visitErman end July, presented recent scientific workto members Philosophical-Historical Class Prussian Academyof Sciences.After quickly proclaimed his full loyalty Erman, andat same stressed importance securing unity thescientific community. This task that, probably more than anyone else fieldof Danish need take following years,and returned again Erman.Just as Lange, sparked deep concern almostsixty-year-old who, sort internal exile, decided intensify work hismasterpiece, dictionary Egyptian language, which started 1897.However, also degree optimism confidence German victoryon battlefield that seized many countrymen. He welcomedthe national enthusiasm triggered by early August 1914Germany declared Russia France, then invaded neutral Belgium,but opinion Germany victim, not aggressor. Like almost all Germanacademics shared perception Entente primarily forthe like them looked forward settling score theprincipal opponent: Britain.
 1914‑1919Taking Britain.