Ancient university of Gladzor founded 725 years ago

PanARMENIAN.Net - 2009 marks 725 years since the foundation of Gladzor university and 25 years since the opening of its history museum. On that occasion, celebrations were organized on the territory of "Gladzor University" cultural museum-reserve (Vayots Dzor region).



After an excursion in museum park, celebrations continued in Yeghegnadzor. Thereafter, university of "Knowledge" hosted a symposium devoted to the jubilee anniversary.



Gladzor University, an Armenian educational institution in Syunik region, was founded in early-1280s in Tnahat Monastery by scientist and pedagogue Nerses Mnetsi. Students here studied for 7-8 years and were trained on medieval disciplines. Regardless their further specialization, they were required to study theology, as well as secular disciplines. The first three included the subjects of trivium, i.e. grammar, rhethoric art and logic, which formed the basis of humanities. Then followed the subjects of quadrium, i.e. arithmetics, geometry, astronomy and theory of music, which formed the basis of exact sciences. A lot of records by Greek and Armenian scholars were kept in University's library. University was also engaged in the translation and reproduction of scientific records. In many sources, Gladzor university is referred to as the «second Athens». It continued its existence for 60 years and after Yesayi Nchetsi's death, it gave way to the development of new cultural institutions.