Founded in 1919 as Bratislava University of Czechoslovakia. Named after 17th-century Czech teacher Jan Amos Comenius. Replaced Elisabeth University after its forced dissolution in 1919. Initially recruited Czech academics due to Slovak faculty shortage
First European universities were established by Catholic monks. University of Bologna (1088) is considered first independent degree-awarding institution. Universities initially focused on trivium (grammar, rhetoric, logic) and quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy). Universities spread across Europe, with northern and southern regions having distinct structures
Alma mater means 'nourishing mother' in Latin. Term originally referred to mother goddesses like Ceres and Cybele. Lucretius first used it in De rerum natura (2991-993). Later became title for Mary in Christian liturgy
Medieval Bologna University had four faculties: Arts, Theology, Law, and Medicine. Faculty of Arts was lowest ranked but largest, teaching liberal arts. Theology was most prestigious, often called "Queen of Sciences". Modern universities have multiplied faculties through subdivisions
Founded in 1257 as Sorbonne College by Robert de Sorbon. Became university system in 2010, current status in 2018. Merged Paris-Sorbonne University and Pierre and Marie Curie University in 2018
University builds on interplay of people, ideas, and skills. Values include access to knowledge and gender equality. Promotes dialogue and conflict resolution