# University of Wittenberg

> German university (1502–1814)

**Wikidata**: [Q316592](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316592)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/university-of-wittenberg

## Summary
The University of Wittenberg (also known as Leucorea) was a German university located in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Holy Roman Empire. Founded by Frederick III of Saxony on October 18, 1502, it operated as an academic institution for further education until its dissolution on December 5, 1814. The university was eventually replaced by the Vereinigte Friedrichs-Universität Halle-Wittenberg.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** Founded on October 18, 1502.
- **Founder:** Frederick III of Saxony.
- **Location:** Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Electorate of Saxony, Holy Roman Empire.
- **Dissolution:** Dissolved on December 5, 1814.
- **Successor:** Replaced by the Vereinigte Friedrichs-Universität Halle-Wittenberg.
- **Instance of:** University (academic institution for further education).
- **Language:** German.
- **Aliases:** Universität Wittenberg Leucorea, UWittenberg, université de Wittenberg, Academia Vitebergensis, Hohe Schule Wittenberg.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the University of Wittenberg founded and dissolved?
A: The University of Wittenberg was founded on October 18, 1502, by Frederick III of Saxony. It was dissolved on December 5, 1814.

### Q: What institution replaced the University of Wittenberg?
A: The University of Wittenberg was replaced by the Vereinigte Friedrichs-Universität Halle-Wittenberg following its dissolution in 1814.

### Q: Where was the University of Wittenberg located?
A: The university was headquartered in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, within the Electorate of Saxony in the Holy Roman Empire.

## Why It Matters
The University of Wittenberg served as a significant academic institution for further education in the Holy Roman Empire for over three centuries. Established by Frederick III of Saxony in 1502, it played a central role in the educational landscape of the Electorate of Saxony. Its strategic importance is underscored by its formal succession; the institution did not merely vanish but was absorbed into the Vereinigte Friedrichs-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, ensuring the continuity of its academic mission. The university is classified as a core university entity, evidenced by its extensive cataloging across major international libraries and identifiers like ISNI and VIAF. Its historical footprint is maintained through dedicated categories and alumni records, marking it as a distinct and influential entity in German academic history.

## Notable For
- **Royal Foundation:** Established by Frederick III of Saxony, reflecting its high status within the Electorate of Saxony.
- **Longevity:** Operated for over 300 years (1502–1814) as a center for German-language education.
- **Succession:** Its direct absorption into the Vereinigte Friedrichs-Universität Halle-Wittenberg marks a distinct evolutionary step in German higher education.
- **Historical Naming:** Known historically by several names, including "Leucorea" and "Academia Vitebergensis."

## Body
### Founding and Location
The University of Wittenberg was officially founded on October 18, 1502. The inception of the institution was initiated by Frederick III of Saxony. Its headquarters were located in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, situated within the Holy Roman Empire's Electorate of Saxony.

### Operations and Identity
Classified as a university—an academic institution for further education—it primarily utilized the German language. Throughout its history, the institution was referred to by various names, including Universität Wittenberg Leucorea, Academia Vitebergensis, and Hohe Schule Wittenberg.

### Dissolution and Succession
The university ceased operations on December 5, 1814. Following its dissolution, the entity was replaced by the Vereinigte Friedrichs-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. This transition ensured the continuation of the university's academic assets and traditions under a new organizational structure.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Library of Congress Authorities
4. BnF authorities
5. HMML Authority File