Robert de Sorbon facts for kids
Robert de Sorbon (born October 9, 1201 – died August 15, 1274) was a French theologian and a chaplain to King Louis IX of France. He is famous for starting the Sorbonne college in Paris, which became a very important part of the University of Paris.
Robert de Sorbon's Life
Robert de Sorbon was born into a poor family in a place called Sorbon, in what is now the Ardennes area of France. He joined the Church and studied in Reims and Paris. People noticed him because he was very religious. He gained the support of the Count of Artois and King Louis IX of France, who later became known as Saint Louis.
Around 1251, he became a canon in Cambrai, which is a type of priest. Later, in 1258, he became a canon in Paris and the king's confessor, meaning someone the king would talk to for spiritual guidance.
Founding the Sorbonne College
Robert de Sorbon started teaching around 1253. In 1257, he created the Maison de Sorbonne, a special college in Paris. His main goal was to teach theology (the study of religious faith) to twenty students who were poor. King Louis supported his idea, and Pope Alexander IV also approved it in 1259.
This college grew a lot and became a major center for learning. It eventually became the main part of what we now know as the University of Paris. Robert de Sorbon worked as the chancellor of the university, taught, and gave speeches there from 1258 until he passed away.
He died in Paris in 1274.
The library at the University of Reims, which opened in 2006, is named after Robert de Sorbon to honor him.
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