What is another name for the University of Paris?

The University of Paris, metonymically known as the Sorbonne, was the main university in Paris, France, active from 1150 to 1970, with the exception of 1793–1806 under the French Revolution.

Emerging around 1150 as a corporation associated with the cathedral school of Notre Dame de Paris, it was considered the second-oldest university in Europe. Officially chartered in 1200 by King Philip II of France and recognised in 1215 by Pope Innocent III, it was later often nicknamed after its theological College of Sorbonne, in turn founded by Robert de Sorbon and chartered by French King Saint Louis around 1257.

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, royalty, scientists, and intellectuals were educated at the University of Paris.

In 1970, following the civil unrest of May 1968, the university was divided into 13 autonomous universities.

In 2017, Paris IV and Paris VI merged to form the Sorbonne University. In 2019, University of Paris V and University of Paris VII merged to form a new University of Paris, leaving the number of successor universities at 11.