Foundation Charter












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            * Foundation Charter of Charles University in Prague on 7 April 1348
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            Latin text [ URL "UKEN-117.html "]


            Charles, by the Grace of God, King of the Romans, for Ever and Ever the Multiplier of the 
            of Bohemia. For the perpetual remembrance of the matter.


            Among the desires of our heart and that which continuously occupies our royal mind with it
            the heed, concern and attention of our mind is constantly turning to our desire that the B

            – which we love above all our other honourable acquisitions and possessions, be they hered
            by good fortune, with the special affection of our mind, and for whose ennoblement we stri

            our great ardour and for whose honour and good we strive with all our efforts – should, as
            rejoice in the natural plenitude of the fruits of the earth, and should be adorned, by the
            providence and our endeavour in our time, with a multitude of learned men.


            And thus that our loyal people of the kingdom, who crave with unceasing hunger for the fru
            should not need to beg for alms in foreign lands, but should find in our kingdom a table l

            and that those who are distinguished by their acuity, both innate and given from above, sh
            educated through the acquisition of knowledge, and should no longer be forced to wander ar
            turn to foreign nations, or to beg in alien parts in order to quench their craving, now co

            wandering useless, but that they should instead consider it their honour to be able to inv
            foreign lands and let them partake of that delectable fragrance and great gratitude.


            Therefore, in order for such beneficial and praiseworthy intentions of our mind to bear di
            for the dignity of our kingdom to be multiplied by pleasing new deeds, on having prudently
            matter we have decided to establish, elevate and newly create a Studium generale in our me

            especially charming town of Prague, abounding in both a wealth of fruits of the earth and 
            place, so convenient and suited for such a great task.


            At this Studium generale there will be doctors, masters and pupils of all faculties, to wh
            excellent goods, and to those whom we consider deserving thereof, we shall grant royal gif


            The doctors, masters and pupils at any faculty and beyond, all together and each one separ
            whence they hail, whether during the travels, during their stay or on their return, we wis
            special protection and under the aegis of our majesty, giving to them all a solid guarante

            privileges, prerogatives and freedoms - such as they enjoy by decree of royal power and su
            by the doctors and pupils of both the Paris and Bologna Studia - shall be graciously grant
            all who may wish to come here, and that we shall ensure that these freedoms be inviolably 

            and all.

            As evidence thereof, and for safe assurance, we have had this charter drafted and ordered 

            confirmed by the seal of our Majesty. Done in Prague, in the first indiction, on the Seven
            Month of April of the Year of Our Lord Thirteen Hundred and Forty Eight, in the second yea




            Foundation Charter of Charles University in Prague on 7 April 1348