The Foundation of Academia Petrina in 1775: Contribution to the Beginnings of Higher Education in Latvia

Abstract

This article examines the foundation of a school called Academia Petrina, the first education institute akin to university in the territory of current Latvia. Attention is paid especially to the foundation charters, which were authored by Johann Georg Sulzer, an important Swiss theologist, philosopher, and proponent of Enlightenment.

Keywords

• Academia Petrina
• educational institutions
• Duchy of Courland
• Johann Georg Sulzer
• Petr Biron
• 18th century