The Sorbonne is a historic university in Paris, France, which was founded in the mid-13th century. The name “Sorbonne” is derived from the name of the College of Sorbonne, one of the original colleges that made up the university.

The College of Sorbonne was founded in 1257 by Robert de Sorbon, a theologian who wanted to establish a place where theology could be taught to students from all over Europe. The college became a center of theological study and was one of the most important academic institutions in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Over the centuries, the University of Paris, of which the Sorbonne was a part, expanded and evolved. The university became a center of intellectual and academic excellence, attracting scholars from across Europe. The Sorbonne became particularly famous for its law school and its philosophy department, which produced some of the most important philosophers in history, such as René Descartes and Jean-Paul Sartre.

During the French Revolution, the University of Paris was dissolved and the Sorbonne was closed. It was eventually reopened in the early 19th century, and it became an important center of higher education in France.

Today, the Sorbonne is part of the Sorbonne University, which is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in France. The university offers courses in a wide range of fields, including law, economics, humanities, and science. The Sorbonne continues to be an important symbol of academic excellence and intellectual tradition in France and around the world.