La Sorbonne

University of Paris

Université de Paris
Latin: Universitas magistrorum et scholarium Parisiensis
Motto	Hic et ubique terrarum (Latin)
Motto in English	Here and anywhere on Earth
Type	Corporative circa 1150–1793, public 1896–1970
Active	circa 1150 (1150)–1793, 1896–1970 (1970)
Location	Paris, France 48°50′55″N 2°20′34″E / 48.84861°N 2.34278°E / 48.84861; 2.34278Coordinates: 48°50′55″N 2°20′34″E / 48.84861°N 2.34278°E / 48.84861; 2.34278
Campus	Urban
Nickname	The Sorbonne
The vicinity of the University in Paris

The University of Paris (French: Université de Paris), metonymically known as the Sorbonne (French: [sɔʁbɔn], its historical house), was a university in Paris, France. Emerging around 1150 as a corporation associated with the cathedral school of Notre Dame de Paris, it was considered as the second-oldest university in Europe. Officially chartered in 1200 by King Philip II (Philippe-Auguste) of France and recognised in 1215 by Pope Innocent III, it was often nicknamed after its theology collegiate institution, College of Sorbonne, founded about 1257 by Robert de Sorbon and charted by Saint Louis, King of France.

Internationally highly reputed for its academic performance in the humanities ever since the Middle Ages – notably in theology and philosophy – it introduced several academic standards and traditions that have endured ever since and spread internationally, such as doctoral degrees and student nations. Vast numbers of popes, royalties, scientists and intellectuals were educated at the University of Paris.