“A lion’s roar echoes through time” This isn’t just any lion. This is the Löwendenkmal of Leipzig University. It stands as a silent testament to the 1396 students and professors who perished in the First World War. More than a statue it’s a poignant reminder of a sacrifice made.
Commissioned by the manufacturer Heinrich Toelle this lion wasn’t just carved. It was sculpted by August Gaul completed by Max Esser and Ludwig Nick. The unveiling was a grand affair. It took place on October 31 1924 in the Augusteum. The speeches given were heartfelt. They highlighted the bravery and loyalty of those lost.
The inscription above the lion proudly declared “In the World War died for Germany’s existence and honor 1396 men of this University”. The oldest among them Caspar René Gregory a German-American was also the oldest volunteer in the German army.
Sadly the original sandstone base designed like a sarcophagus was destroyed not during the Second World War but in 1968. This was during the demolition of the University. The lion itself however survived. It’s made of Kirchheimer Muschelkalkstein limestone.
After a journey through various locations it found a home in the New Augusteum in 2014. Not a prominent spot sadly. Its weathered condition is a result of years spent outdoors on Sachsenplatz. This was between the 1970s and 1993.
Despite its age and exposure the names of the fallen are still relatively easy to recover. A book published in 1925 lists them and their fields of study. This suggests extensive effort was made to gather this information. Not all families contacted the University so newspaper death notices provided additional data.
The loss of these 1396 men 1370 students 12 lecturers and assistants and 14 employees represented a significant toll on the university. Estimates place the percentage of student casualties significantly higher than at other German universities. Recent research further suggests that the overall number of dead missing or declared dead may be even greater.
This lion may be less prominent than other war memorials but its story is rich. It tells of sacrifice loyalty and the enduring memory of a community’s loss. It is a powerful symbol reminding us to honour the past. And it is a must-see during your stay in Leipzig.