Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico

Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico
Real y Pontificia Universidad de México
Active	21 September 1551–1865
Religious affiliation	Roman Catholic
Location	Mexico City, Mexico
Campus	Urban

The Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico (in Spanish: Real y Pontificia Universidad de México) was founded on 21 September 1551 by Royal Decree signed by Charles I of Spain, in Valladolid, Spain. It is generally considered the first university officially founded in North America and second in the Americas.

After the Mexican War of Independence it was renamed University of Mexico. It was closed during the years 1833, 1857, 1861 and 1865; the main reason being that it was not well regarded by the liberals, who called it an example of cultural lag.

During the Second Mexican Empire, the University was reopened by Maximilian I of Mexico and, after the victory by the liberals in 1867, closed for good. Scattered institutions, mainly civil colleges founded by the liberals and religious establishments outside Mexico City, continued without interruption.

Notable alumni

• Bartolomé de Alva, Roman Catholic secular clergyman and Nahuatl translator.
• Agustín Dávila Padilla (1562–1604), chronicler of the Dominican Order and its missions in America up to the end of the 16th century.

Notable faculty

• Juan José Eguiara y Eguren (? - 1763), Roman Catholic bishop and scholar who served as its rector.
• Francisco Cervantes de Salazar (1514? – 1575), distinguished writer who served twice as rector during its early years.
• Alonso Gutiérrez (1507–1584), Augustinian philosopher, historian and intellectual figure.
• Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora (1645–1700), cartographer, historian and philosopher of the late 17th century.

See also

• List of colonial universities in Latin America