Classical antiquity in cartoons and comics in periodicals for children and teenagers in People’s Poland

english

2025

volume 7, issue 2

animated films   art   classical antiquity   classical reception   edu­cation   history of Poland   magazines for children

Založba Univerze v Ljubljani
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

In communist Poland, magazines, journals, and periodicals for children and teens were the most easily accessible carriers of popular culture. They provided support to school curricula. Among the various contents were those related to classical antiquity, which was still considered a relevant part of Polish cultural heritage. Antiquity was not only present in compulsory educational texts but also shown in an entertaining, non­serious way, providing amusement and attracting readers. The paper examines those aspects of antiquity that were officially­approved sources of humor in People’s Poland. Satirical drawings, comic strips, and humor sections in leading periodicals have been selected for an analysis designed to reflect the evolution over time of these permitted contents. Some of these drawings obviously used antiquity to mirror the times of their publication and the authors’ attitudes towards the communist regime. The example of the “cartoon sections” shows how, over the years, antiquity entertained young readers who, fascinated by the comic heroes, often absorbed, quite unconsciously, the knowledge and values at the roots of European culture. Drawing on antiquity in a humorous manner served a didactic purpose, as learning through fun is an effective way to acquire new knowledge.

20.10.2026