The University has had five major transformations : The University grew out of the Colegio de Santo Tomás de Aquino ( Saint Thomas Aquinas High School ) , founded in 1562 by Bishop Francisco Marroquín . After a series of major earthquakes in 1773 , which destroyed many parts of the city of Santiago de los Caballeros , the crown authorities ordered the evacuation of the city and the relocation of its government , religious and university functions to the new capital La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción , the university 's present location . In the early years , from the 16th to 19th centuries , it offered studies in civil and liturgical law , theology , philosophy , medicine and indigenous languages
major earthquakes in 1773
1773 Guatemala earthquake
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala