The University of Latvia, named at that time "Higher School of Latvia" (Latvian: Latvijas Augstskola) was founded on September 28, 1919 on the basis of the former Riga Polytechnic (founded in 1862). The first rector of the university was chemist Paul Walden. In 1923, this school received its now resumed name – the University of Latvia (Universitas Latviensis).
