Daigaku-ryō was the former Imperial university of Japan, founded
at the end of the 7th century. The Daigaku-ryō predates the Heian period

Heian period

The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...

, continuing in various forms through the early Meiji period

Meiji period

The , also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from September 1868 through July 1912. This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan.- Meiji Restoration and the emperor :...

. The director of the Daigaku-ryō was called the Daigaku-no-kami

Daigaku-no-kami

was a Japanese Imperial court position and the title of the chief education expert in the rigid court hierarchy. The Imperial Daigaku-no kami predates the Heian period; and the court position continued up through the early Meiji period...

.

The Daigaku-ryō was located near the Suzaku Mon at southern border of Kyoto's grid. In the 12th century, the original structure was destroyed by fire; and it was not rebuilt.

Ritsuryō organization

The Daigaku-ryō was reorganized in 701. It became part of the ; also known as the "Ministry of Legislative Direction and Public Instruction". Among other duties, this ministry collected and maintained biographical archives of meritorious subjects, and those who would carry out the functions of the ministry were trained at the Daigaku-ryō.

The was responsible for the examination of students and the celebration of festivals associated with Confucius and his disciples.

Educational authorities authorities associated with the Daigaku-ryō included:

• .
• .
• .
• .
• -- two positions.
• -- two positions.
• -- two positions.

History

Prince Yamabe

Emperor Kammu

was the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kammu reigned from 781 to 806.-Traditional narrative:Kammu's personal name was . He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe , and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne...

 was Daigaku-no-kami in 766 (Tenpyō-jingo

Tenpyo-jingo

was a after Tenpyō-hōji and before Jingo-keiun. This period spanned the years from January 765 through August 767. The reigning empress was . This was the same woman who had reigned previously as the former .-Change of era:...

 2).
The institution had become a hollow shell by the Engi

Engi (era)

was a after Shōtai and before Enchō. This period spanned the years from July 901 through April 923. The reigning emperors were .-Change of era:* January 23, 901 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...

 era (901-923), but its fortunes revived somewhat under the patronage of Emperor Daigo

Emperor Daigo

was the 60th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Daigo's reign spanned the years from 897 through 930. He is named after his place of burial.-Traditional narrative:...

.

• May 27, 1177 (Angen
  Angen
  was a after Jōan and before Jishō. This period spanned the years from July 1175 through August 1177. The reigning emperor was .-Change of era:* 1175 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
  
  3, 28th day, 4th month): A fire burned the university structure to ashes.