Bentley Layton

Bentley Layton is the Frederic & Laura Goff Professor of Religious Studies at Yale University, with joint appointments in Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations and History. He is affiliated with the Departments of Classics and History. His research focuses on ancient Christianity, Gnosticism, Coptic linguistics, and monastic history.

• Education:
• Ph.D., Harvard University (1971), highest honors
• A.B., Harvard University (1963), summa cum laude
• Extended private study of Coptic linguistics with H.J. Polotsky (1970–1975)

His work includes critical editions of Nag Hammadi manuscripts, Coptic grammars, and studies on ancient monasticism. Recent projects involve editing texts by Apa Shenoute and exploring the social history of early monasteries. Layton has held fellowships from major institutions and previously taught at the École biblique in Jerusalem.

Research Interests: Ancient Christian literature, textual criticism, Coptic language syntax, and the cultural history of Mediterranean religious movements. He has authored foundational works like The Gnostic Scriptures and A Coptic Grammar.

Awards:

• Guggenheim Fellowship
• National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship
• American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship
• Harvard Society of Fellows Fellowship

Advising & Grants: Advised numerous graduate students in religious studies and Coptic linguistics. His grants include support for manuscript research and international collaborative projects. Current focus includes interdisciplinary work on early monastic institutions.