This planned brief history of the university presents a scholarly yet broadly accessible overview of the University of Mainz’s 550-year history in six parts, focusing on particularly significant events and developments.

Nina Gallion examines the founding of the university in 1477 and the first decades of its existence. Thomas Brockmann explores the profound influence of the Jesuits on the history of the Electoral University, from their appointment to Mainz in 1561 until the abolishment of the order in 1773. Matthias Schnettger covers the sweeping university reforms of the 1780s, which were even celebrated at the time as a “restoration.” Christian George’s contribution bridges the gap from the existential crisis of the Electoral University in the 1790s to its reestablishment in 1946. This reestablishment, initiated by the French occupying forces, and the early decades of Johannes Gutenberg University through the late 1960s are the subject of Michael Kißener’s chapter. Finally, Bernhard Dietz sheds light on JGU’s most recent history up to the present day, a period defined by the university’s pursuit of excellence status in cooperation with its partners in the RMU Alliance. The richly illustrated volume of approximately 160 pages is scheduled for publication in spring 2027.