Lesvos antiquities protection during WWII occupation

During the onset of World War II and the subsequent Italian occupation of Greece, a clandestine operation was organized in Mytilene to protect the cultural heritage of Lesvos. Following a November 1940 directive from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Education to safeguard museum collections from aerial threats, local actors took decisive action to protect against ground-level risks such as looting and theft.

This effort involved a diverse group of individuals, including archaeologists, engineers, local teachers, museum staff, and volunteers. Working under extreme conditions, with limited resources and strict secrecy, these individuals engaged in a race against time to hide and protect rare and invaluable ancient artifacts from the invading forces.