On This Day
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The University of Leipzig opens

Leipzig University (German: Universität Leipzig), in Leipzig in Saxony, Germany, is one of the world's oldest universities and the second-oldest university (by consecutive years of existence) in...

Leipzig University (German: Universität Leipzig), in Leipzig in Saxony, Germany, is one of the world's oldest universities and the second-oldest university (by consecutive years of existence) in Germany. The university was founded on 2 December 1409 by Frederick I, Elector of Saxony and his brother William II, Margrave of Meissen, and originally comprised the four scholastic faculties. Since its inception, the university has engaged in teaching and research for over 600 years without interruption.

Famous alumni include Angela Merkel, Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Leopold von Ranke, Friedrich Nietzsche, Robert Schumann, Richard Wagner, Tycho Brahe, Georgius Agricola.

Historical Significance

Leipzig University (German: Universität Leipzig), in Leipzig in Saxony, Germany, is one of the world's oldest universities and the second-oldest university (by consecutive years of existence) in Germany.

Events Before

  1. Lama Deshin Shekpa visits the Ming Dynasty capital at Nanjing and receives the title Great Treasure Prince of Dharma

    Lama Deshin Shekpa visits the Ming Dynasty capital at Nanjing and receives the title Great Treasure Prince of Dharma

  2. Bloody battles between Hoeken and Kabeljauwen in Dordrecht

    Bloody battles between Hoeken and Kabeljauwen in Dordrecht

  3. Mobs attack Jewish community of Kraków

    Mobs attack Jewish community of Kraków

  4. Emir Edigu of Golden Horde reaches Moscow

    The Golden Horde, or Ulus of Jochi, self-designated as Ulug Ulus (lit. 'Great State' in Turkic), was originally a Mongol and later Turkicized khanate established in the 13th century, originating from...

  5. Order of the Dragon is first created by Emperor Sigismund, then King of Hungary, and his wife, Queen Barbara of Celje, f

    Order of the Dragon is first created by Emperor Sigismund, then King of Hungary, and his wife, Queen Barbara of Celje, following the battle for possession of Bosnia

Events After

  1. Battle of Grunwald (First Battle of Tannenburg, Battle of Žalgiris), one of Medieval Europe's largest battles during the

    Battle of Grunwald (First Battle of Tannenburg, Battle of Žalgiris), one of Medieval Europe's largest battles during the Polish-Lithuanian Teutonic War. Polish King Władysław Jagiełło and Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas defeat Teutonic Ulrich von Jungingen.

  2. Earliest mention of Prague's astronomical clock, the world's oldest still in operation, built by Mikuláš of Kadaň and Ja

    Earliest mention of Prague's astronomical clock, the world's oldest still in operation, built by Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel

  3. Battle of Harlaw, one of the bloodiest battles in Scotland, takes place

    Battle of Harlaw, one of the bloodiest battles in Scotland, takes place

  4. The Medici family is appointed official banker of the Papacy

    The Medici family is appointed official banker of the Papacy

  5. Joan of Arc is born

    Joan of Arc, French folk heroine and saint, known for french folk heroine and saint, was born on 1412-01-06.

More from the 1400s

English King Henry IV marries his second wife Joan of Navarre

Joan of Navarre, also known as Joanna (1368 – 10 June 1437) was Duchess of Brittany by marriage to Duke John IV and later Queen of England as the wife of King Henry IV.

Lama Deshin Shekpa visits the Ming Dynasty capital at Nanjing and receives the title Great Treasure Prince of Dharma

Lama Deshin Shekpa visits the Ming Dynasty capital at Nanjing and receives the title Great Treasure Prince of Dharma

Turko-Mongol ruler Tamerlane (Timur) destroys Baghdad, killing 20,000 people

Timur (1320s – 17/18 February 1405), also known as Tamerlane, was a Turco-Mongol conqueror, first ruler of the Timurid dynasty, and the founder of the Timurid Empire, which ruled over modern-day...

Chinese fleet commander Zheng He sets sail to the Spice Islands on his first major expedition, leading 208 vessels, incl

Chinese fleet commander Zheng He sets sail to the Spice Islands on his first major expedition, leading 208 vessels, including 62 treasure ships with 27,800 sailors

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on December 2, 1409?
Leipzig University (German: Universität Leipzig), in Leipzig in Saxony, Germany, is one of the world's oldest universities and the second-oldest university (by consecutive years of existence) in Germany. The university was founded on 2 December 1409 by Frederick I, Elector of Saxony and his brother William II, Margrave of Meissen, and originally comprised the four scholastic faculties. Since its inception, the university has engaged in teaching and research for over 600 years without interruption.
Why is The University of Leipzig opens significant?
Leipzig University (German: Universität Leipzig), in Leipzig in Saxony, Germany, is one of the world's oldest universities and the second-oldest university (by consecutive years of existence) in Germany.

Explore More

December 2 in HistoryYear 1409