The world's Oldest Universities
Many universities around the world are proud to have long histories and strong traditions.
However, very few universities can claim to be among the oldest in the world.
Nalanda University, in Bihar, India, was
established around 600 sc. It was most likely
the world's first university. In the past, scholars1
came from Europe, China, and all over India
to learn about science, medicine, the Buddhist
religion, and other subjects. The university is in
ruins now, but at one time it was an impressive
school with temples, classrooms, libraries, and
dormitories.2
According to the Guinness Book of World
Records, the University of AI-Karaouine in Fes,
Morocco, is the oldest surviving university
1s in the world. It was probably founded in 859
and became a famous place to study natural
sciences. In 1957, after more than 1,000 years as
a university, AI-Karaouine added mathematics,
physics, chemistry, and various foreign languages
20 to its traditional list of subjects for study.
The first university in Europe is definitely the
University of Bologna, in Italy. It was one of the few
universities in Europe that were not influenced by
religion. Professors were forbidden from teaching
outside the university, and so students came from
all over Europe to study with its famous teachers.
Since opening in 1088, the University of Bologna
has never closed its doors, despite the many
wars in Europe.
With the success of the University of Bologna, other universities opened across Europe.
They were started by kings, religious groups, and former professors. Today there are so
many universities that students don't need to go far to study. They are sure to find one
close to home.
1 A scholar is a person who studies in school at a high level.
2 A dormitory is a place for students to live.
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