The presence of a university in Ancona is a rather recent historical development and the result of cultural, social, economic, and historical forces. In the Middle Ages, Ancona already boasted a School of Law and in 1562 the town received authorization from Pope Pius V to found a "Studium Generale cuiuscumque Facultatis et Scientiae," offering instruction in Civil and Canon Law and Theology. The privilege of adding additional faculties was also bestowed by the pontiff, and the members of the faculty were invested with the power to grant the various academic degrees. Moreover, faculty and students alike enjoyed the privileges, prerogatives and immunities granted to a "Studium Generale", like the ones in Bologna or Padua.
