Ancient higher-learning institutions

A variety of ancient higher-learning institutions were developed in many cultures to provide institutional frameworks for scholarly activities. These ancient centres were sponsored and overseen by courts; by religious institutions, which sponsored cathedral schools, monastic schools, and madrasas; by scientific institutions, such as museums, hospitals, and observatories; and by respective scholars. They are to be distinguished from the Western-style university, an autonomous organization of scholars that originated in medieval Europe^[1] and has been adopted in other regions in modern times (see list of oldest universities in continuous operation).^[2]

^ Stephen C. Ferruolo, The Origins of the University: The Schools of Paris and Their Critics, 1100–1215, (Stanford, Stanford University Press, 1985) pp. 4–5 ISBN 0-8047-1266-2
^ Hilde de Ridder-Symoens (1994). A History of the University in Europe: Universities in the middle ages / ed. Hilde de Ridder-Symoens. ISBN 978-0-521-36105-7.

[1] Stephen C. Ferruolo, The Origins of the University: The Schools of Paris and Their Critics, 1100–1215, (Stanford, Stanford University Press, 1985) pp. 4–5 ISBN 0-8047-1266-2

[2] Hilde de Ridder-Symoens (1994). A History of the University in Europe: Universities in the middle ages / ed. Hilde de Ridder-Symoens. ISBN 978-0-521-36105-7.

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