Francis IV, Duke of Modena, founded a Noble Military Academy, later the Estense Military Academy (1821-1848), successor to the Ducal Academy established by Francis III d’Este in 1757. The Institute of Pioneer Mathematical Cadets, founded in Modena in 1824 by Francis IV, was also located here. This institute trained the duchy’s military and engineers. Upon completion of the five-year course of study, the Pioneer Mathematical Cadets graduated as architects and engineers and could practice their professions independently, without necessarily pursuing a military career.
