These are some of the oldest and most famous Universities in Christendom.
University of Bologna, Italy (1088)
The oldest University in Christendom
was founded in 1088 as an association of student guilds from various nations (universitas magistrorum et scholarium).
The University of Bologna became known throughout Europe for its teaching of canon and civil law, and development of
Medieval Roman law (based on the civil law system of the Roman Empire.) Famous alumni include
Thomas Becket, Charles Borromeo, Petrarch, and many Popes.
Oxford University, England (1096)
The oldest University in Britain existed as an association of teachers by 1096, and gained great prominence
during the 1200s, when it became a base of scholarship of many of the mendicant religious orders, including
the Dominicans, Franciscans, and Carmelites.
During the Reformation Oxford came under control of the Anglicans and many of its most ancient colleges were suppressed.
Some of the scholars and scientists who helped establish Oxford's reputation as a great center of learning include Robert Gosseteste, Roger Bacon, and William of Occam. Other famous alumni of Oxford include hundreds of prominent British royalty, statesmen, church leaders, and scientists.
University of Paris, France (1150)
Began as an association of scholars associated
with the Cathedral school of Notre Dame. The pre-eminent University in Europe from its official charter
in 1200, and known especially for its Theological college the Sorbonne (chartered in 1257 by St. Louis IX).
During the Middle Ages it was the most prestigious University Europe, upon which most other Catholic
Universities were modeled and was the Alma Mater of dozens of popes, scholars, and royalty. It was
closed during the French revolution, rechartered during the 1800s, and closed permanently in 1970.
Some of the early scholars associated the University of Paris are Peter Lombard, Bonaventure, Albert the Great, Peter Abelard, Nicole Oresme, and Thomas Aquinas. The founders of the Jesuits, including Sts. Ignatius, Peter Faber, and Francis Xavier also studied at the University of Paris.
University of Salamanca, Spain (Leon) (1134)
The oldest
University in Spain emerged from a
Cathedral school. During the Renaissance and Reformation periods it was one of the
leading lights in Europe in the fields of Natural Law and Catholic social teaching, especially
regarding the governance of indigenous peoples. The earliest Universites in the Americas were
associated with Salamanca. Famous Scholars
include Francisco de Vitoria, Tomas de Mercado, and Francisco Suarez.
University of Cambridge, England (1209)
The second oldest
and most respected University in Britain was founded by a group of scholars who left Oxford after a
dispute with the townspeople. After the reformation in became a center for 'non-conforming' Christians
and eventually developed a reputation for Math and Science. Its most famous graduates include Francis Bacon,
Thomas Cranmer, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and James Clerk Maxwell.
Schola Medica Selernitana, Italy (9th century)
The most famous
medical school in Europe during the Middle Ages, was originally associated with a Monastery at Salerno.
From the tenth to 14th centuries Schola Medica Salernitana was known throughout Europe for
large library of Medical texts and especially its translations of Galen. By the 14th century, more modern
Medical colleges at the University of Naples and Padua became pre-eminent.
University of Padua, Italy (Lombardy) (1222)
The University of Padua
split off from the University of Bologna and was initially specialized in Law and Philosophy, but
eventually became well known for its Botanical gardens, medical school and scientific research.
Scholars associated with the University of Padua include Nicholas of Cusa, Fabricius, Andreas Vesalius, Galileo, Robert Bellarmine, and Elena Piscopia, the
first woman to be awarded a PhD.
University of Leuven, Belgium (Burgundian Netherlands) (1425)
The University of Leuven,
was founded in the region that is now Belgium, modeled on the University of Paris. Scholars associated with
Leuven are Erasumus of Rotterdam, Pope Adrian VI, Mercater (of Map fame), and Febronius (of Jansenist Heresy).
The University was closed permanently by the French Revolutionary government.
Jagiellonian University, Poland (1364)
Oldest University in Poland, founded by Casimir the Great.
Famous faculty or alum include John Cantius, Nicholas Copernicus, John Sobieski, and Pope John Paul II.
University of Vienna, Vienna (Holy Roman Empire) (1365)
One of the oldest
German Speaking Universities, modeled after the University of Paris. In modern times it is best known for its
'Austrian' school of economics, (Shumpeter, von Mises, Hayek)