The article presents an analysis of debates surrounding the teaching of the classical languages in Poland during three pivotal moments in Polish history: after the failed November uprising against Russia of 1830, after Poland regained its independence in 1918, and after World War II and the advent of the Communist regime. In each of these historical moments concern for the place of Latin and Greek in the school system brought to the forefront the broader connections between teaching ancient culture and the classical languages and the values and culture of Western Europe.