The History of European Universities from their Beginnings until the end of the Middle Ages

Abstract

The European continent has gone through a period of decline since the fall of Rome. The period between the fall of the Roman Empire in the late fifth century until the end of the fifteenth century is called the Middle Ages on the European continent or the Dark Ages. Despite the cultural and civilizational decline that the European continent went through in the Middle Ages, a significant cultural achievement was the invention of universities. Many European universities were formed out of cathedral schools and monasteries. Although it is difficult to determine the exact time for the founding of many European universities, many historians believe that the University of Bologna in Italy is the oldest university on the European continent. Old universities are generally characterized by a religious character, and university students and professors were classified as men of the church, so they were treated uniquely. The universities received tremendous support from the papacy and civil authorities. This historical research aims to reveal the most prominent historical facts about European universities in the Middle Ages. The researcher used the historical method. The study discovered many historical facts about ancient European universities on the topics of students, professors, and scientific and administrative affairs. The study also uncovered how medieval European universities benefited from Arab and Islamic philosophers, scientists, and physicians.