University of Constantinople

The University of Constantinople, sometimes known as the University of the palace hall of Magnavra in the Byzantine Empire was recognised as a University in 1949, although not considered a "degree-granting University"[1]. Like most early Universities, it had been an academic institution for many years before it was recognised as a University. The original institution was founded in the 5th century by the emperor Theodosius II.

The University included the Schools of Medicine, Philosophy, Law and Forestry.

At the time various economic schools, colleges, polytechnics, libraries and fine arts academies were also open in the city, making Constantinople the spiritual centre of the medieval world.

History

The original school was founded in 425 by Emperor Theodosius II with 31 chairs for Law, Philosophy, Medicine, Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy, Music, Rhetoric and other subjects, 15 to Latin and 16 to Greek. In 849 it was reorganised by the regent Bardas and officially recognised as a University. The university existed until the 14th century.[2]

Notable Faculty at the University of Constantinople

• Leo the Mathematician taught Philosophy.
• Patriarch Photius I of Constantinople taught Greek Philosophy.
• Saint Constantine-Cyril
• Theodoros taught Geometry.
• Theodoghius taught Astronomy.
• Kometas taught Greek Philology.

Notable Alumni of the University of Constantinople

• Tsar Simeon I of Bulgaria[3]

See also

• Constantinople
• Byzantine university