Summary
A comprehensive analysis of parallel papal and urban universities in late medieval Rome (1300–1471) reveals their interconnected nature under papal authority, challenging the notion that they were entirely separate institutions. Brigide Schwarz's study, based on extensive archival research including Vatican registers, demonstrates that both the Studium Urbis and the University of the Roman Curia coexisted with overlapping functions, particularly in theology and canon law. The research highlights their symbiotic relationship during the papacy's exile to Avignon, where the University of Avignon also thrived, and sheds light on lesser-known aspects such as teaching during councils and the inclusion of oriental languages. Schwarz's methodology combines historical narrative with prosopographical analysis, leveraging decades of data collection and scholarly collaboration.
Citation
(Ed.). (2014). Kurienuniversität und stadtrömische Universität von ca. 1300 bis 1471 by Brigide Schwarz (review). The Catholic Historical Review, 100(1), 132–134. https://doi.org/10.1353/cat.2014.0007