- died 1261, also in Bologna) flourished around 1250, and lectured in law at the University of Bologna

University of Bologna

The Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna is the oldest continually operating university in the world, the word 'universitas' being first used by this institution at its foundation. The true date of its founding is uncertain, but believed by most accounts to have been 1088...

. She reputedly obtained her education disguised as a man and taught from behind a screen so that she would not distract the students. She was probably the first woman to hold a post at a university.

Life

Bettisia was born into a noble family , the daughter of Amadore Gozzadini and Adelasia of Pegolotti. She excelled at scholarship from childhood.
Her intelligence impressed Giacomo Baldavino and Tancredi Arcidiacono at the University of Bologna and they pushed for her to take a doctorate for which she got the highest award possible, graduating in law on 3 June 1236.

She began teaching from her home and then at local schools. Her great style of oratory led her eventually to be offered a chair at the University. She at first refused this, but later accepted it and held it until her death. Her lessons eventually became so popular that she could not hold them in the Studium (classroom) but had to deliver them in a public square. In 1242, on account of her skills in oratory, she gave the funeral oration at the funeral of Enrico della Fratta, Bishop of Bologna.

She died in November 1261, due to the collapse of the house where she lived on the bank of the River Idice.

Details of her life were recorded by Pompeo Delfi. A portrait of her exists in Bologna.