The University of Bologna (Italian: Alma Mater Stuiorum Università di Bologna, UNIBO) is one of the oldest continually operating degree-granting universities in the world, and the second largest university in Italy. It was probably the first university founded in the western world (conventionally AD 1088, but the true date is uncertain) and since 2000, its motto has been Alma mater studiorum (Latin for "fostering mother of studies"). The university of Bologna received a charter from Frederick I Barbarossa in 1158, but in the 19th century, a committee of historians led by Giosuè Carducci traced the birth of the University back to 1088, making it arguably the longest-lived university in the West. The University of Bologna is historically notable for its teaching of canon and civil law, and is presently one of the most important universities in Europe.