Erfurt, Germany, University Records of Martin Luther, 1501-1505

Martin Luther in Erfurt

In 1501, Luther entered the University of Erfurt.

The University of Erfurt was founded in 1379 and was one of oldest in the German portion of the Holy Roman Empire. Until the 16th century, it was, except for the university of Vienna, the most attended educational institution.

Seventeen-year-old Martin Luther, having attended school in Eisenach, registered at Erfurt for the summer semester of 1501 as Martinus Ludher of Mansfelt He moved first into small student quarters in the Georgenburse house as students were require to live at the university. The Georgenburse is now a museum and a stop along on the Luther Trail.

In accordance with his father's wishes, Luther intended to study at the School of Law in Thuringia. According to the accepted system of study in the Middle Ages, Luther had first to study the "seven liberal arts" in the School of Philosophy. This course of study, dating back to antiquity, originally consisted of linguistics and rhetoric, based on Latin (trivium), later natural science subjects (quadrivium) were added. These subjects in Luther's time had a strongly theological orientation.

After three semesters, the shortest possible time, Martin Luther sat and successfully completed the Trivium Bacalaureus examination in September 1502. This first academic degree allowed him to continue his Masters studies and at the same time raised him to a faculty position in School of Philosophy. Thereafter he taught at the university in addition to pursuing his own studies.

Martin Luther received his master's degree in Philosophy in January 1505. Tradition has it that he scored second best in a class of 17. The records of the School of Philosophy confirm his degree listing him as magister Martinus Luder of Mansfeldt.

Now 21 years old in the summer semester of 1505, Luther was to study jurisprudence as his father wished, but a change was quick in coming. On July 17, 1505, he asked to be admitted to the Augustinian monastery. At first glance, it seems to have been a spontaneous decision based on a vow taken shortly before. On July 2, 1505 near Erfurt, he was caught in a horrific thunderstorm and anxiously cried out to St. Anne, the patron saint of miners, “Save me, St. Anne, and I’ll become a monk!” It is more probable, however, that he had long been considering entering the spiritual life and that this experience helped him come to a decision. Two years later, in April 1507, he was ordained a priest in Erfurt.