Instead of indexes, they got rifles. The unusual beginnings of the AGH University of Science and Technology in the Second Polish Republic

The article recounts the unique origins of the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow during the Second Polish Republic, highlighting the challenges and symbolic moments of its early years.

When the university needed to commence student education in 1920, Professor Antoni Hoborski was identified as the most fitting individual to serve as its rector. His leadership was crucial in establishing the academic foundations of the institution.

A significant detail from the pre-war era involves a statue of St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners and a symbol of the university's connection to mining and metallurgy. This statue was placed on the university's roof on August 24, 1939. Following the occupation of Krakow by Nazi Germany, Governor Hans Frank ordered the destruction of the statue. During the occupation period, a Nazi eagle was installed in its place, which Krakow residents mockingly referred to as "gapą" (a gull or simpleton).

The article also touches upon promotional offers for subscriptions to RP.PL, suggesting a focus on history and science content for vacation reading, and positions the publication as a reliable source for information from Poland and the world.