  In the later Middle Ages Albert of Saxony (Albertus de Saxonia) was sometimes called Albertucius (Little Albert), to distinguish him from the thirteenth-century theologian Albert the Great. He is however a master of great importance in his own right. He was born at Rickensdorf, in the region of Helmstedt (Lower Saxony) in present-day Germany, around 1316. After initial schooling in his native area, and possibly a sojourn at Erfurt, he made his way to Prague and then on to Paris. He was member of the English-German Nation and became a master of arts in 1351. He was Rector of the University of Paris in 1353. He remained in Paris until 1362, during which time he taught arts and studied theology at the Sorbonne, apparently without obtaining a degree in the latter discipline. His logical and philosophical works were composed during this period. After two years of carrying out diplomatic missions between the Pope and the Duke of Austria, he was charged with founding the University of Vienna, of which he became the first Rector in 1365. Appointed canon of Hildesheim in 1366, he was also named Bishop of Halberstadt the same year, serving in that office until his death on July 8, 1390. 