Research on the classical world at the Jagiellonian University, dating back to the 15th century, has always been inseparably linked with the ideals of humanism. From the earliest days of Kraków’s Alma Mater, scholars sought to instill in successive generations an appreciation for Classical Philology, a discipline that permeates all other fields of learning. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and later periods, numerous lecturers devoted themselves primarily to teaching Latin and Greek, and in some cases to editing ancient texts or translating them into Polish.
The development of the two chairs—Greek and Latin—did not progress at an equal pace. Latin culture, introduced to Poland during the Renaissance in the 16th century, remained a fundamental and essential component of education until the end of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Studies in Greek, by contrast, were initially more tentative, often limited to efforts to transmit knowledge of major Hellenistic authors or the fundamentals of Greek grammar.
Humanism and the Early Masters
Among the figures who shaped the beginnings of classical studies in Kraków were Jan Elgot, rector of the Academy in the 15th century and an expert in classical Latin; Grzegorz of Sanok (1406–1477), a celebrated advocate of ancient culture; and Paweł of Krosno (c. 1470–1517), a Polish-Latin poet. The most distinguished Hellenist of the 16th century was Stanisław Grzebski (1524–1570), while Jakub Górski (1525–1585) contributed significantly to the study of ancient rhetoric and Aristotelian philosophy. Another towering figure was Andrzej Patrycy Nidecki (1522–1586), renowned as an editor of Cicero’s works and hailed as “the greatest classical philologist of the Polish Renaissance.”
The Modern Era: Kazimierz Morawski and the Rise of Classical Studies
A new era began in the late 19th century with Kazimierz Morawski (1852–1925), regarded as the father of modern classical philology at the Jagiellonian University. Morawski’s scholarship and teaching elevated Polish classical studies to an international level. His research focused on ancient rhetoric and its influence on Roman imperial literature, culminating in the monumental seven-volume History of Roman Literature (1909–1921). Morawski was not only a prolific scholar but also an inspiring lecturer, whose eloquence and pedagogical mission shaped generations of philologists and fostered a deep sense of cultural and civic responsibility.
Tadeusz Sinko and Seweryn Hammer: Giants of the 20th Century
Among Morawski’s successors, Tadeusz Sinko (1877–1966) stands out as “the greatest classical philologist and humanist in the history of Polish culture.” His scholarly output—nearly 800 works—spanned Latin and Greek literature, Neo-Latin studies, and the reception of antiquity in Polish literature. Sinko authored a six-volume History of Greek Literature, still considered a landmark in the field, and trained hundreds of philologists during his long academic career.
Seweryn Hammer (1883–1955), another eminent scholar, combined expertise in Latin literature with contributions to Byzantine studies. His translations of Virgil and Herodotus, as well as his research on Tacitus and Seneca, enriched Polish classical scholarship. Both Sinko and Hammer exemplified the breadth and depth of Kraków’s philological tradition.
Hellenists and Innovators
The turn of the 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of outstanding Hellenists such as Leon Sternbach (1864–1940), a world-class Byzantinist and editor of critical texts, and Wincenty Lutosławski (1863–1954), philosopher and inventor of stylometry, a method for determining the chronology of Plato’s dialogues. Later scholars, including Ryszard Gansiniec and Stanisław Skimina, expanded research into Greek literature, ancient religion, and the cultural legacy of antiquity, while also playing key roles in sustaining classical studies through turbulent historical periods.
Modern Scholarship and Academic Leadership
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Institute of Classical Philology at the Jagiellonian University flourished under the guidance of eminent scholars who combined rigorous research with a commitment to teaching. Romuald Turasiewicz (1930–2005) advanced Polish Hellenistic studies through his work on Greek rhetoric and translations of Lysias and Demosthenes. Józef Korpanty (1941–2021), a leading Latinist and long-time director of the Institute, authored influential works on Roman literature and political terminology, including a monumental Latin–Polish dictionary. Stanisław Stabryła (b. 1936), a towering figure in Polish philology, produced major monographs on Virgil and Ovid and explored the reception of antiquity in European literature. Kazimierz Korus (b. 1944) is renowned for his research on Greek satire, drama, and literary theory, as well as translations of Plutarch and studies on European cultural identity. Jerzy Styka (b. 1954), a distinguished Latinist and scholar of ancient aesthetics, has contributed significantly to research on Roman literature, rhetorical theory, and the cultural legacy of antiquity, while also serving as editor of Classica Cracoviensia and promoting interdisciplinary dialogue.
Together, these scholars strengthened the international reputation of the Jagiellonian University as a center of humanistic excellence, ensuring that classical philology remains a vital part of European intellectual heritage.
Current Research and Teaching Profile
Today, the Institute offers a comprehensive program that spans the entire spectrum of classical studies. Our curriculum and research embrace Greek epic poetry, ancient drama, and the world of Alexander the Great, as well as Byzantine spirituality and modern Greek culture. In parallel, we pursue in-depth studies of Roman literature, from the classical period through late antiquity and Neo-Latin traditions, alongside advanced linguistic research in both ancient languages. A distinctive feature of our work is the exploration of the classical heritage and its reception, including its transformations in contemporary culture and new media, ensuring that the dialogue between antiquity and modernity remains vibrant and intellectually challenging.