Paris University, also known as the University of Paris, is a historic institution of higher education located in Paris, France. Founded in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest universities in the world and has played a significant role in the development of education and scholarship in Europe. The university was originally a single entity but was divided into several autonomous institutions in 1970. Today, the various universities that emerged from Paris University include Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas, and Paris 4 Sorbonne. Each of these institutions offers a wide range of programs in fields such as humanities, law, and social sciences, continuing the legacy of academic excellence that the original university established.