A Short History of the University of Pisa
Coppini, Romano Paolo

This volume covers the main events in the history of the University of Pisa from its foundation in 1343. From the rule of the Medici family to the rule of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and from the Kingdom of Italy to the Republic, the University has seen numerous important figures who have impacted on the evolution of scientific thought in Italy and in Europe. This Short History also highlights the importance of the relation between the city and the University, which has played a crucial role in Pisan life since its origin. Moreover, a determined and conscious participation on the part of the student body, starting with the battles of Curtatone and Montanara, has contributed to placing the University at the centre of important historical events and changes within Italian society.

Romano Paolo Coppini, Professor of Contemporary History at the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Pisa, has for a long time studied the history of the Tuscan ruling classes during the modern and current era. In the last few years he has focused his attention on the history of the Pisan University, contributing to the compilation of the Storia dell’Università di Pisa (1737-1861) (Pisa, Plus, 2000).