The word "university" literally means an association, and was not at first restricted to learned bodies.

The origin appears to have been in certain guilds of students formed for mutual protection associated at some place specially favorable for study--the attraction generally being a famous teacher.

The University of Bologna grew up about guilds formed by students of law, and at Paris, early in the twelfth century, there were communities of teachers, chiefly in philosophy and theology.

In this way arose two different types of mediaeval university.

The universities of Northern Italy were largely controlled by students, who were grouped in different "nations." They arranged the lectures and had control of the appointment of teachers.