On November 14, 1973, students at the Athens Polytechnic occupied their campus, rallying around the call for “ΨΩΜΙ – ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ – ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ”(=BREAD – EDUCATION – FREEDOM – NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE) That night, 1,500 students resolved to remain inside the Polytechnic, while outside, thousands of citizens gathered in solidarity, supporting their stand against the dictatorship.
By November 15, the Polytechnic grounds were overflowing with students and thousands more outside, who brought food, medical supplies, and encouragement. The students began broadcasting from an independent radio station, heard throughout Attica, inspiring all who listened: “Εδώ Πολυτεχνείο” (=Here is the Polytechnic!) The Radio Station of the free, fighting students, the voice of the free, fighting Greeks. Down with the junta, down with Papadopoulos, out with the Americans, down with fascism—the junta will fall by the will of the people… People, come down to the streets and join us. Come and claim your freedom!”
Student occupations soon spread to universities in Thessaloniki and Patras, while farmers from Megara started for Athens in support. Revolutionary fervor also ignited in the districts of Aegaleo, and throughout Athens and Piraeus, uniting Greeks behind the students.
On November 16, more than 150,000 people surrounded the Polytechnic, chanting with the students, “Down with the junta! The junta will fall by the will of the people.” In response, the dictator ordered forces to disperse the crowds. Tear gas filled the air, gunshots were fired, and fatalities mounted both inside and outside the Polytechnic. By midnight, tanks and soldiers began to enter Athens.
In the early hours of November 17, tanks approached the Polytechnic. Students pleaded, “Soldiers, we are unarmed, we are your brothers. Don’t attack—join us!” Meanwhile, the Polytechnic radio condemned the dictatorship’s actions to the Greek people. At 3:00 a.m., a tank broke down the iron gate, even as students clung to the railings. Troops and police flooded into the campus, attacking students who tried to escape. The Polytechnic radio continued to broadcast, urging soldiers to defy orders, and closed with the Greek National Anthem before its announcers were arrested.
Afterward, many students sought refuge in nearby buildings, while police snipers fired from rooftops. Those who had stayed to broadcast remained on air for 40 minutes after the campus was breached.
To this day, an annual march commemorates the uprising. Since 1980, when police killed two demonstrators after blocking their route to the American embassy, the march has started from the Polytechnic and ended at the embassy, symbolizing the enduring spirit of resistance.
You may watch the relevant video archive. Find it here.
