University of Helmstedt

The University of Helmstedt (German: Universität Helmstedt; official Latin name: Academia Julia, "Julius University"), was a university in Helmstedt in the Duchy of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel that existed from 1576 until 1810.

University of Helmstedt in the 17th century
The Juleum in Helmstedt, historical great auditorium of the University, built in 1592 in Weser renaissance architecture

History

Founded by and named after Duke Julius of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel on 15 October 1576, the first university of the duchy and the first Protestant university of the northern Holy Roman Empire quickly became one of the largest German universities.[1] In order to train pastors and administrators for work in the Lutheran churches, the duchy needed a university of its own. In 1575, Julius obtained the Emperor's permission to open a university in Helmstedt. One year later the first lectures started.[2] The princes of Wolfenbüttel held the office of the rector, starting with Julius' 12-year-old son John Henry.

Tilemann Heshusius was an important early Lutheran theologian at Helmstedt. He developed a clergy network in the region that supported other Helmstedt professors, including Daniel Hofmann, Gottfried Schulter, Basilius Sattler, and Tilemann's son, Heinrich Heshusius.[3]

The university developed four faculties for theology, law, medicine and philosophy including the seven liberal arts. The great auditorium, the Juleum Novum, was erected in 1592.

In the late 18th century, Helmstedt lost popularity to newer universities, such as the University of Göttingen. It was closed in 1810 on initiative of Johannes von Müller, director of public instruction in the Kingdom of Westphalia.

Famous professors and students in Helmstedt

Famous professors include:

Famous students include:

See also

References
  1. Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel (2013-08-16). "Startseite - Home - Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel". Hab.de. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  2. Juleum Novum - Renaissance University Buildings - virtualtourist.com. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  3. Michael., Halvorson (2010). Heinrich Heshusius and confessional polemic in early Lutheran orthodoxy. Farnham, Surrey, England: Ashgate. pp. 51–57. ISBN 9780754664703. OCLC 694147960.
  4. Omodeo, Pietro Daniel. (2011) Sixteenth Century Professors of Mathematics at the University of Helmstedt: A Case Study on Renaissance Scholarly Work and Networks, Max-Planck-Institut Fur Wissenschaftsgeschicte (in publication), pp. 10-11

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