Founding of the National University of San Marcos (1548–1553)

The National University of San Marcos was founded in Lima in 1551 by decree of Charles V, following earlier studies in 1548. It is the first officially established university in the Americas and began official operations in 1553.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. General studies began in the Convent of the Rosario in Lima on July 1, 1548. The Cabildo of Lima sent Fray Tomás de San Martín and Captain Juan Jerónimo de Aliaga to Spain to secure royal authorization for a university.

Official Foundation. The university's official foundation was conceived on May 12, 1551, by decree of Emperor Charles I of Spain and V of the Holy Roman Empire. The Royal Certificate authorizing the foundation was issued in 1551, and the coat of arms was approved that same year.

Commencement of Operations. The university began to function officially on January 2, 1553. It initially operated with faculties of Theology and Arts during the viceregal era, with Law and Medicine added later. It is recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the Americas.

People involved

Sources

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