How was Hogwarts founded?

Located somewhere in Scotland, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is responsible for training some of the most memorable wizards in the Harry Potter saga. It was created around AD 990 by the four greatest wizards of the time: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin, and Rowena Ravenclaw.

According to the books of J.K. Rowling, at that time, magic was still seen with a lot of prejudice by the eyes of muggles (non-magical beings). Before the creation of schools of magic, it was common for families to pass on their knowledge from generation to generation. It was only during some time in the Middle Ages that a witch named Queen Maeve decided to help educate young Muggle-born wizards.

Also with this thought in mind, Godric, Salazar, Helga and Rowena decided to create their own school so that they would have the opportunity to safely teach all children who develop magical powers – regardless of whether they are pure-bloods or not.

In the beginning, the four were the teachers, selecting students according to what each one believed, generating the famous houses of Hogwarts. For Godric Gryffindor, courage and bravery were the main characteristics that students in his house needed to have; Helga Hufflepuff valued loyalty and patience; Rowena Ravenclaw believed that intelligence was most important; Salazar Slytherin, on the other hand, defended that only pure-blood students should be accepted at the school.

Unlike Salazar, the other founders defended that the school should be for all wizards from the age of 11. Due to this conflict, Salazar dropped out of school and, before leaving, created the famous Chamber of Secrets, which could only be opened by a direct heir of Slytherin, releasing the Basilisk, a huge snake that would have the intention of “purifying” the city. school and wipe out all muggle-born students.

The education

Students leave for school on September 1st, with classes beginning the following day. In total, four subjects are taught before lunchtime, and two in the afternoon. At Hogwarts, students have numerous subjects. The required classes every wizard needs to attend are: Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Charms, History of Magic, Astronomy, Herbology, and Flying on Broomsticks.

From the second year, those interested can also participate in Quidditch, and must choose two more subjects to be part of their curriculum. Among the options are Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies, Study of Ancient Runes and Divination. In addition, the school also offers classes in Apparition (from the sixth year), Art and Music.