Friedrich Max Müller (1823-1900) was a German philologist and orientalist known for his work in the study of languages and religions. He played a significant role in the development of the field of comparative religion and is best known for his translations of ancient texts, particularly the Vedas, which are sacred scriptures of Hinduism. Müller was a prominent figure in the Oxford University community, where he held a chair in Comparative Philology. He contributed to the understanding of Indo-European languages and emphasized the importance of language in shaping culture and thought. His scholarly work laid the foundation for future studies in linguistics and religious studies.