University of Leiden
University of Leiden
The University of Leiden (pronounced: /ˈlaɪdən/), also known as Leiden University or Universiteit Leiden in Dutch, is a public research university in Leiden, Netherlands. It is the oldest university in the country and one of the oldest in Europe.
Etymology
The name "Leiden" is derived from the Dutch word "leiden", which means "to lead". The university was named after the city of Leiden, where it was founded.
History
The University of Leiden was founded in 1575 by William, Prince of Orange, who granted the city of Leiden the right to establish a university as a reward for its resistance against Spanish rule during the Eighty Years' War. The university quickly became one of the most prestigious in Europe, attracting scholars from all over the continent.
Related Terms
- Public research university: A university that is predominantly funded by public means and is dedicated to the production of knowledge through research.
- Leiden: A city and municipality in the province of South Holland, Netherlands.
- Netherlands: A country located in Northwestern Europe.
- William, Prince of Orange: A Dutch prince who played a significant role in the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule.
- Eighty Years' War: A revolt of the Seventeen Provinces of what are today the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg against Philip II of Spain, the sovereign of the Habsburg Netherlands.
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