Even though Leiden University was the product of war – which was still ongoing while Grotius was at Leiden University - it clearly saw itself as a haven of peace. From 1581, the university stamped its books with the university seal, which depicts the ‘Leytsche Pallas’. This is its own interpretation of Minerva, the goddess of both war and wisdom. Verses from 1575 celebrating the foundation of Leiden University, mention that the Leytsche Pallas has put down her weapons and is now studying hard to obtain wisdom.
Copper binding stamp with Minerva, matrix [BA1 E 2]