was the former Imperial university of Japan, founded at the end of the 7th century.[1] The Daigaku-ryō predates the Heian period, continuing in various forms through the early Meiji period. The director of the Daigaku-ryō was called the Daigaku-no-kami.[2]
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.[3]
The Daigaku-ryō was reorganized in 701.[1] It became part of the, also known as the "Ministry of Legislative Direction and Public Instruction".[4] Among other duties, this ministry collected and maintained biographical archives of meritorious subjects,[5] and those who would carry out the functions of the ministry were trained at the Daigaku-ryō.[1]
The was responsible for the examination of students and the celebration of festivals associated with Confucius and his disciples.[6]
Educational authorities associated with the Daigaku-ryō included:
Prince Yamabe (who later became Emperor Kanmu) was Daigaku-no-kami in 766 (Tenpyō-jingo 2).[7]
The institution had become a hollow shell by the Engi era (901-923), but its fortunes revived somewhat under the patronage of Emperor Daigo.[8]