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Abstract: AN INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICS AND MATHEMATICIANS AT THE “SAPIENZA” BETWEEN 1500’ AD 1600’ This essay is an introduction to the study of scientific teaching offered at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” in the modern era; a subject that, to this day, remains vastly unknown. The article takes into consideration mathematics in a period of time which spans from mid 16th century to the end of the 17th century. Thanks to ample, previously unpublished material, this theme is analyzed by taking into account the changes that occurred in the institutional system of faculty teaching assistants that succeeded each other during this period. Counter to the subject’s marginality in the hierarchy of university courses, more often than not, is the elevated quality of the faculty staff. Such a conclusion explains the nature of certain popes’ policies in relation to science and leads to new research.