Abstract
On March 11, 2015 the great classicist and historian of religions Walter Burkert passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind an unparalleled work, which bears witness to a scholar of outstanding rank and renown. In a lively portrait his student and collaborator Christoph Riedweg retraces his life and scholarly achievements, remembering and paying tribute to this man of exceptional qualities, who rates among the leading lights of Ancient studies in the 20th century.