Leipzig University (German: Universität Leipzig), located in Leipzig in the Free State of Saxony, Germany, is one of the oldest universities in the world and the second-oldest university (by consecutive years of existence) in Germany. Famous alumni include Leibniz, Goethe, Nietzsche, Wagner, Angela Merkel, Raila Odinga, Tycho Brahe[citation needed] and nine Nobel laureates are associated with this university.
The university was founded on December 2, 1409 by Frederick I, Elector of Saxony and his brother William II, Margrave of Meissen, and originally comprised four faculties. Since its inception the university has engaged in teaching and research for over 600 years without interruption.