Bettisia Gozzadini facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bettisia Gozzadini
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An old drawing of Bettisia Gozzadini. No real pictures of her exist from her time.
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| Born | 1209 |
| Died | 2 November 1261 (aged 51–52) Budrio
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| Occupation | lawyer |
| Known for | Reputedly the first woman to lecture at a university |
Bettisia Gozzadini (born in 1209 – died on November 2, 1261) was a very smart woman from Italy. She was a lawyer and a teacher. Bettisia taught at the University of Bologna starting around 1239. Many people believe she was the first woman ever to teach at a university.
Her Life and Studies
Bettisia Gozzadini was born in 1209 in Bologna, a city in central Italy. Her parents, Amadore Gozzadini and Adelasia de' Pegolotti, were from important families.
Bettisia first studied philosophy. Then, she decided to study law. She learned from famous teachers like Giacomo Baldavino and Tancred of Bologna at the University of Bologna. Another teacher, Odofredo, also encouraged her a lot.
When she was a young woman, Bettisia sometimes dressed like a man. We don't know if she did this because of what society expected, or if it was her own choice.
Teaching at the University
Bettisia finished her university studies in 1237. For two years, she taught law from her own home.
Later, the university offered her a special teaching position. At first, she said no. But then, she changed her mind and accepted the job.
There's a story that Bettisia had to wear a veil when she taught. This was supposedly to keep her students from being distracted by her. However, the same story is also told about another woman named Novella d'Andrea. So, we don't know if it's true for Bettisia, or for Novella, or for either of them!
Bettisia was known for being a great speaker. On May 31, 1242, she gave a special speech at the funeral of the Bishop of Bologna, Enrico della Fratta. This shows how respected she was.
Her Final Days
Bettisia Gozzadini died on November 2, 1261. She was with two other women and four students. They had to leave her home near the Idice river because of a flood. They took shelter in another house, but it collapsed because of the rising water. This happened near a town called Budrio, which is east of Bologna.
When Bettisia died, the whole city of Bologna was very sad. All the schools in the city closed down. Her funeral was held at the church of the Padri Serviti.
See also
- In Spanish: Bettisia Gozzadini para niños
