Conrad Celtis
Conrad Celtis was a prominent German humanistic writer and poet of the fifteenth century, known for his contributions to the fields of rhetoric and poetry. Born to a wine maker, he graduated from the University of Cologne in 1479 before pursuing theology at Heidelberg University. After a two-year journey across Europe, Celtis returned to academia and eventually became a teacher at several universities, including Rostock and Leipzig. His travels in 1489 took him through Italy and Eastern Europe, where he expanded his studies to include mathematics and astronomy at the University of Krakow. Celtis held various academic roles until he became a professor of poetry and mathematics at the University of Vienna in 1497. He played a significant role in fostering a renewed interest in classical education among his contemporaries and established several scientific societies. His scholarly letters contributed to the ideals of German humanism. Conrad Celtis passed away in 1508, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the key figures of the German Renaissance.
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Subject Terms
Conrad Celtis
Scholar
- Born: February 1, 1459
- Birthplace: Germany
- Died: February 4, 1508
Biography
Conrad Celtis, a fifteenth century humanistic writer and poet, was born in Germany. His father was a wine maker. In 1479, Celtis graduated from the University of Cologne. After graduating, he began studying theology at Heidelberg University in Germany. In 1482, he took a break from his studies to travel for two years before returning to Heidelberg University and continuing his studies.
In 1487, Celtis became a teacher of rhetoric and poetry at the Universities of Effort, Rostock, and Leipzig. In 1489, he left his position and took a sabbatical to journey through Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Poland, where he spent some time studying mathematics and astronomy at the University of Krakow. From 1491 to 1496, Celtis held a variety of short-term positions, including that of private tutor for the sons of Prince Philip. In 1497, he settled into a position as professor of poetry and mathematics at the University of Vienna.
During his later years, Celtis created several scientific societies and is credited with stimulating his countrymen’s interest in classical learning. He also wrote many scholarly letters that became an important source for ideals of German humanism. Conrad Celtis, one of the most influential scholars of the German Renaissance, died in 1508.