Glezos and Santas Tear Down the Nazi Flag: What Happened
On the night of 30 May 1941, two young Athenian students, Manolis Glezos and Apostolos Santas, climbed onto the Acropolis and tore down the Nazi swastika flag that had flown over it since German troops entered Athens on 27 April. Glezos was 18 and Santas was 19. They had studied the area and found a way to climb up through a cave on the north side of the Acropolis, avoiding the German guards. They took down the flag and escaped without being caught. The act became one of the first symbolic acts of resistance in occupied Europe, and it raised the spirits of Greeks and inspired resistance across the country. The Germans sentenced the unknown perpetrators to death in absence. Both young men later joined the resistance. Glezos was arrested several times by the Germans, the Italians and later Greek governments, and he spent years in prison and exile for his left-wing political activities. He later became a member of the Greek and European parliaments and a symbol of resistance until his death in 2020. Santas died in 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Glezos and Santas do?
On the night of 30 May 1941, the students Manolis Glezos and Apostolos Santas climbed the Acropolis and tore down the Nazi swastika flag.
How did they get onto the Acropolis?
They studied the area and climbed up through a cave on the north side of the Acropolis, avoiding the German guards.
Were Glezos and Santas caught?
No. They escaped without being caught. The Germans sentenced the unknown perpetrators to death in absentia.
Who was Manolis Glezos?
Manolis Glezos became a lifelong left-wing politician and symbol of resistance, serving in the Greek and European parliaments. He died in 2020.
Why was the flag incident important?
It became one of the first symbolic acts of resistance in occupied Europe and inspired resistance across Greece.
