Fact Check: Oxford university was built before the Aztec empire

Claim Analysis: "Oxford University Was Built Before the Aztec Empire"

1. Introduction

The claim that "Oxford University was built before the Aztec Empire" suggests a significant historical timeline comparison between two prominent institutions: the University of Oxford in England and the Aztec Empire in Mesoamerica. This assertion hinges on the dates of establishment for both entities, with Oxford's teaching activities reportedly beginning in 1096 and the founding of Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Aztec Empire, occurring in 1325. This article will explore the validity of this claim by examining available sources and their credibility.

2. What We Know

• Oxford University: Teaching at Oxford is believed to have started no later than 1096. The university's formal recognition as an institution occurred in 1249 when it was granted a charter by King Henry III, although its exact founding date is debated among historians 256.
• Aztec Empire: The Aztec civilization is often marked by the founding of Tenochtitlán in 1325. This date is significant as it represents the establishment of the capital city, which became the heart of the Aztec Empire 236.
• The timeline indicates that Oxford University predates the Aztec Empire by approximately 229 years, based on the commonly accepted dates of establishment for both entities.

3. Analysis

Source Evaluation

1. Medium Article 1: This source presents the claim but lacks rigorous academic backing. Medium articles can vary in quality, and the author’s credentials are not provided, raising questions about reliability.

2. Smithsonian Magazine 2: This is a reputable publication known for its thorough fact-checking and editorial standards. The information provided aligns with historical consensus, making it a reliable source.

3. Fact Myth 3: This site aims to debunk myths but does not provide extensive references or scholarly backing. While it confirms the claim, its lack of depth raises concerns about its reliability.

4. Knights Templar 4: This article discusses the uncertainty surrounding Oxford's exact founding date, citing a legendary debate in 872. While it provides context, the reliance on legend rather than documented history may undermine its credibility.

5. Britannica 5: As a well-respected encyclopedia, this source is generally reliable. It corroborates the claim with clear dates and historical context.

6. Ancient Pages 6: This source offers a historical perspective but lacks citations from primary sources, which could affect its reliability.

7. YouTube Video 7: While videos can be informative, they often lack the rigorous fact-checking of written articles. The reliability of the information presented depends heavily on the creator's expertise.

8. Kern Public Health 8: This recent article appears to be a scholarly attempt to explore the historical timelines, but without access to the full text, it is difficult to assess its credibility.

9. The Tab 9: This source provides a brief overview but lacks depth and academic rigor, which may limit its reliability.

Methodology and Evidence

The primary evidence supporting the claim relies on the established dates of teaching at Oxford and the founding of Tenochtitlán. However, the debate surrounding Oxford's exact founding date introduces uncertainty. The reliance on historical records and interpretations can vary, leading to potential discrepancies in the timeline.

Conflicts of Interest

Several sources, particularly those that are less established, may have biases or agendas that could affect their presentation of facts. For instance, articles from platforms like Medium or The Tab may prioritize engagement over accuracy, while reputable sources like Smithsonian and Britannica are more likely to adhere to strict editorial standards.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that "Oxford University was built before the Aztec Empire" is supported by historical evidence indicating that teaching at Oxford began around 1096, while the Aztec Empire is marked by the founding of Tenochtitlán in 1325. This establishes a timeline in which Oxford University predates the Aztec Empire by approximately 229 years.

However, it is important to note that the exact founding date of Oxford remains a subject of debate among historians, which introduces some uncertainty into the claim. While the majority of reputable sources corroborate the established dates, variations in historical interpretation and the reliance on different types of sources can affect the overall reliability of the information.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the context and nuances surrounding historical claims. The evidence, while compelling, is not without its limitations, and further scholarly research may provide additional insights into the timelines of these significant historical entities.

5. Sources

1. Oxford University Predates the Aztec Empire - Medium: https://medium.com/@history2/oxford-university-predates-the-aztec-empire-56df0eb7a48f
2. The University of Oxford Is Older Than the Aztec Empire - Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/university-oxford-older-than-aztec-empire-other-facts-will-change-your-perspective-history-1529607/
3. Oxford University Is Older Than Aztec Civilization - Fact Myth: https://factmyth.com/factoids/oxford-university-is-older-than-aztec-civilization/
4. Is Oxford University Older Than the Aztec Empire? - Knights Templar: https://knightstemplar.co/is-oxford-university-older-than-the-aztec-empire/
5. One Good Fact about Old Universities - Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/one-good-fact/what-university-is-older-than-the-aztec-empire
6. Oxford University Is Older Than The Aztec Empire – Historical Records - Ancient Pages: https://www.ancientpages.com/2017/12/05/oxford-university-is-older-than-the-aztec-empire-historical-records-say/
7. Oxford University Existed BEFORE the Aztec Empire! | History - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBQ0ceG7qRU
8. Oxford University Older Than Aztec - Kern Public Health: https://oldsite.kernpublichealth.com/default.aspx/scholarship/464691/OxfordUniversityOlderThanAztec.pdf
9. Six Things Oxford Predates - The Tab: https://archive.thetab.com/uk/oxford/2013/10/20/six-things-oxford-predates-11736