The University of Paris was established in the 12th Century and became the centre for European educational excellence. Shut down four times in periods of political turmoil, student riots in 1968 saw it finally disintegrate into thirteen different institutions two years later.
England's oldest University Oxford has been a seat of learning and controversy since 1096. This tradition continues to produce well-educated free-thinkers in demand throughout the world.
The University of Salamanca, Madrid in Spain is believed to be the fifth oldest university in the world still operating. Government meddling that began in 1854 reduced its academic status considerably, although today things are improving again.
