For centuries Oxford has been at Britain's intellectual heart, perhaps the most prestigiou

s among Europe's many ancient universities. Oxford has attracted students and scholars from all over the world who have gone on to achieve the highest positions in their countries. Alumni include numerous famous scientists, literary figures and overseas politicians.

As a place of learning Oxford's beginnings go back to the Middle Ages. Legend has it that Alfred laid its foundations at the end of the ninth century. Certainly by the 12th century scholars were teaching in the town and their fame had spread to the Continent, particularly to the Sorbonnes in Paris, then Europe's greatest centre of learning. A group of English scholars left the French capital in 1167 to settle in Oxford and the place became a magnet for students and teachers from all over Britain. Today Oxford is a large, busy city, but the ancient university buildings in the centre have remained largely untouched by the urban expansion.

While most old universities have modernised radically to accommodate their growing populations, Oxford has managed to expand while still preserving its traditional structure. The 36 existing colleges are independent, self-governing institutions operating under the umbrella of the University of Oxford.

The passage focuses on Oxford's______.

A．past and present.

B．modern development.

C．present and future.

D．traditional structure.