The resistance fighter who brought down an occupation symbol from the Acropolis
On the night of 30 May 1941, Santas and Manolis Glezos climbed the Acropolis and tore down the Nazi flag.
Apostolos Santas was a Greek resistance fighter remembered for tearing down the Nazi flag on the Acropolis with Manolis Glezos during the Second World War. Their action became an early public symbol of resistance to the occupation, and German authorities sentenced both men to death in absentia. Santas later joined EAM and ELAS and fought the Axis occupation, but after liberation he was sent into internal exile because of his left-wing politics, including to Ikaria and Makronisos. He escaped via Italy, received political asylum in Canada, and returned to Greece in 1962.
Career Timeline
- 1941With Manolis Glezos, tore down the Nazi flag on the Acropolis.
- 1942Joined the National Liberation Front (EAM).
- 1943Joined ELAS and fought Axis forces in Central Greece.
- 1944Completed his law studies after liberation.
- 1946–1948Was sent into internal exile on Ikaria, Psyttaleia, and Makronisos for his left-wing beliefs.
- 1948–1962Escaped via Italy to Canada, where he received political asylum.
- 1962–2011Returned to Greece and lived in Athens.