Publication supervised by the staff of the Office of Communication and Public Relations Concept and Coordination: Laura Marozzi Texts: Chiara Basta, Erika Bellini, Francesco Bircolotti, Carla Frova, Laura Marozzi, Franco Mezzanotte, Andrea Possieri, Roberta Rossi Editing: Roberta Rossi, Andrea Possieri Graphic design: Réclame Comunicazione S.r.l. Photographs: Archivio d’Ateneo e-mail:
[email protected] We wish to thank all those who have contributed to the publication of this guide. Information regarding the various Faculties is excerpted from materials available at Infopoint (Rocca Paolina). The texts for “Historic Places and Inspiring Spaces” were written by: F. Asdrubali, P. Belardi, L. Cenciaioli, A. Massi, A. Montanucci, F. Montesperelli, A. Scaleggi EDITION: APRIL 2006 A.A. 2005-2006 The Foundation of the Studium Generale In the Middle Ages, the importance of a town did not only lie in the presti- ge of its political institutions or in its trading potential, which was closely related to its military power, but also derived from its capacity to develop and spread an advanced Weltanschauung that could be translated into a positive and industrious mentality from which the whole community could benefit. The political elite ruling and running the Council of Perugia was probably well aware of the crucial importance of having the right mentali- ty. As a matter of fact, a clause in the 1285 City statute provided that the Council had to promote the establishment of a Studium ut civitas Perusii sapientia valeat elucere et in ea Studium habeatur (so that the City of Peru- gia may shine in learning and that there may be a Studium in town).