# University of Frankfurt an der Oder

> 1506-1811

**Wikidata**: [Q2649559](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2649559)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/university-of-frankfurt-an-der-oder

## Summary
The University of Frankfurt an der Oder, also known as the Alma Mater Viadrina, was a university located in Frankfurt (Oder). Founded on April 26, 1506, it operated as an academic institution for further education until its dissolution in June 1811. The university was succeeded by the University of Wrocław and the modern European University Viadrina.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Founded on April 26, 1506 (statement with Gregorian date earlier than 1584).
- **Dissolution**: Dissolved or abolished in June 1811.
- **Location**: Situated in Frankfurt (Oder) at coordinates 52.349°N, 14.54886111°E.
- **Aliases**: Also known as Brandenburgische Universität Frankfurt, Alma Mater Viadrina, Universität Frankfurt (Oder), Viadrina, and UFrankfurt.
- **Sovereignty**: Located in the Margraviate of Brandenburg from 1506 to 1806, and subsequently in Prussia from 1806 to 1811.
- **Successors**: The institution was replaced by the University of Wrocław and the European University Viadrina.
- **Distinction**: Explicitly recorded as being different from the European University Viadrina.
- **Identifiers**: ISNI 0000000120336247; VIAF ID 123166527; GND ID 2024330-3.
- **Classification**: Instance of a university.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the University of Frankfurt an der Oder active?
A: The university was active from its inception on April 26, 1506, until its dissolution in June 1811.

### Q: Is the University of Frankfurt an der Oder the same as the European University Viadrina?
A: No, they are distinct entities. However, the original University of Frankfurt an der Oder is listed as being replaced by the European University Viadrina (as well as the University of Wrocław).

### Q: Where was the university located?
A: The university was located in the city of Frankfurt (Oder). During its operation, this territory fell under the Margraviate of Brandenburg and later Prussia.

## Why It Matters
The University of Frankfurt an der Oder serves as a significant historical landmark in European higher education. Operating for over three centuries (1506–1811), it functioned as a crucial academic institution during the transition from the late medieval period through the Reformation and into the Napoleonic era. Its establishment under the Margraviate of Brandenburg highlights the region's early commitment to academic infrastructure.

The university's legacy is defined by its structural evolution and eventual succession. The transfer of its academic function to the University of Wrocław illustrates the shifting political and educational landscapes of Central Europe during the early 19th century. Furthermore, its conceptual connection to the modern European University Viadrina establishes a historical continuity in Frankfurt (Oder)'s role as a center of learning, distinguishing the city's educational heritage across different eras of German and Polish history.

## Notable For
- **Historical Longevity**: Operating for 305 years between 1506 and 1811.
- **Multiple Sovereignties**: Existing under the governance of both the Margraviate of Brandenburg and the Kingdom of Prussia.
- **Academic Succession**: Being a direct predecessor to the University of Wrocław.
- **Naming Heritage**: Retaining the historical title "Alma Mater Viadrina," which links it to the modern university in the same city.

## Body

### Founding and Location
The University of Frankfurt an der Oder was established as a university (academic institution for further education) on April 26, 1506. It was situated in Frankfurt (Oder), with specific geographic coordinates recorded as 52.349 latitude and 14.54886111 longitude.

### Political History
Throughout its operational history, the university's location shifted between different sovereign states due to political changes in the region:
- **1506–1806**: Located within the Margraviate of Brandenburg.
- **1806–1811**: Located within Prussia following the political reorganization of the region.

### Dissolution and Succession
The institution ceased operations in June 1811. According to structured data, the university was "replaced by" two distinct entities:
1.  **University of Wrocław**
2.  **European University Viadrina**

Despite the succession by the European University Viadrina, records explicitly categorize the historical university as "different from" its modern counterpart.

### Identity and Records
The university is identified in various international library and authority catalogs, confirming its historical standing:
- **GND ID**: 2024330-3
- **VIAF ID**: 123166527
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n81093730
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID**: 119726411
- **ISNI**: 0000000120336247

Visual and audio records of the entity exist, including an image file hosted on Wikimedia Commons (Frankfurt_a_O_Kunstgeschichte_1912_007.jpg) and a pronunciation audio file for "Alma Mater Viadrina" in German.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://lingualibre.fr/wiki/Q124725)
3. HMML Authority File