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Founded in 1861, MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, along the Charles River near Boston. Its first classes began in 1865 after a delay caused by the Civil War.
This choice is not merely aesthetic, but reflects a deep respect for history and tradition. (AyraNews24x7 Hindi)
In a nod to ancient Roman traditions, the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has inscribed its name over the entrance with an interesting twist: “Massachusetts Institute of Technology,” using the ‘v’ in place of the ‘u’.
This stylistic choice is reminiscent of the Roman Empire when the Latin alphabet did not include the letter ‘u’, and ‘v’ was used for both ‘u’ and ‘v’ sounds. For example, the Romans wrote “LOVE” as “LOV”.
Its classical Roman style is a deliberate homage, linking MIT to the heritage of older European universities founded on intellect and classical learning. This choice is not merely aesthetic but reflects a deep respect for history and tradition.
3 reasons why MIT spells its name with a ‘V’
Most people are surprised when they see ‘V’ being used instead of ‘U’ in the inscription of MIT. The reason for this is linked to a 2,000-year-old tradition rooted in ancient Rome.
respecting the roman alphabet
The main reason for adding ‘V’ in the name is to respect the ancient Roman script.
- In Classical Latin, the letter ‘u’ did not exist – the Romans used ‘v’ instead for inscriptions and architecture.
- By following this tradition, MIT shows its respect for the classical heritage, showing that even a modern institution of science and technology values age-old knowledge.
classical roots of knowledge
MIT adopted this style to align itself with the tradition of older, prestigious European universities.
- Legacy Connection: Institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford have long used Romanesque letters on their buildings, a design that exudes grandeur and academic heritage.
- Symbol of respect: Through this, MIT shows that modern technical education is deeply rooted in classical knowledge and rational thought.
Architecture and aesthetics
- Architects discovered that the straight-edged “V” appeared sharper and more refined than the rounded “U” when carved in stone. The angular design gave the building a sense of strength and formality. Thus, the use of the “V” was not only historically symbolic, but also an artistic and aesthetic choice.
- It serves as a reminder that while MIT shapes the future of technology, it continues to honor its heritage and timeless traditions of knowledge.
MIT’s timeless legacy
MIT is located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, with its main campus on the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge, just east of downtown Boston. Established in 1861, the institution began classes in 1865 due to the American Civil War. It was founded by the renowned naturalist and geologist William Barton Rogers, who envisioned an educational model built on two key principles:
- Application of knowledge in real life: Using science and technology to solve real world problems.
- learning by doing: Gaining knowledge not just from books, but from laboratories and practical experience.
United States of America, USA)
October 27, 2025, 7:04 pm IST
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