Kazimierz Kumaniecki and the Evolution of Classical Studies in the People’s Republic of Poland (translated by Lara Unuk)

Abstract

Kazimierz Kumaniecki (1905–1977), a professor at the University of Warsaw, played a crucial role in building the classics community during People’s Poland; by developing strong structures in terms of academic staff and quality, Kumaniecki’s activity played a significant role in maintaining its cohesiveness. His sense of mission had two sources: his experience at the Home Army (AK) Headquarters’ Information and Propaganda Bureau during World War II and the tradition of the community of classics scholars in the Galicia region during the partitions of Poland, where studies on ancient culture were intended to serve as a tool for promoting Poland in Europe. The study includes materials from secret service archives.