600^th Anniversary of Leipzig University

The University of Leipzig is the second oldest in Germany, after the Ruprecht-Karl University in Heidelberg (founded 1385), to have performed research and teaching activities without interruption since its foundation.

It was formally opened on 2 December 1409 in the presence of the Wettin rulers, Margraves Frederick and William, in the refectorium of St.Thomas' monastery. The university was established after a number of German students and professors abandoned the University of Prague in response to the Hussite adjustment of voting rights in favour of the Czech lecturers and students, and the appointment of a Czech rector. Many of those leaving Prague headed for Leipzig in June 1409, where they quickly integrated.

With his Bull of Acknowledgement of 9 September 1409, Pope Alexander V officially endorsed the University of Leipzig as a studium generale, before it was founded on 2 December 1409. Lectures began with a total of 46 teaching staff and 369 students.

Tomark the 600th anniversary of the University of Leipzig, numerous special events will take place.

For more information on the anniversary programme, please visit:

www.uni-leipzig.de/2009
www.ltm-leipzig.de
www.uni-leipzig.de/2009/presse

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