Universal education
Who
The Jewish high priest Joshua ben Gamla, credited in the Talmud with mandating schooling for all children.
When
c. 64 CE
Where
Judea
One of the earliest recorded systems of compulsory, universal schooling comes from the Jewish sage Joshua ben Gamla, who, according to the Talmud (Bava Batra 21a), ordained that teachers of young children be appointed in every town so no child would go untaught. This ancient Jewish commitment to educating all children influenced later ideals of universal education.
Sources
Part of “The Gifts of the Jews” — verified Jewish contributions to the world, with sources.