The "Dekemvriana" or the Battle of Athens (1944-1945)

The "Dekemvriana" refers to the armed conflict that started in Athens on December 3, 1944, between the National Liberation Front (EAM) and the Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS) on one side, and the governmental and British forces on the other. The conflict arose from the power vacuum after the withdrawal of the Germans, with EAM/ELAS seeking influence in the government, while the government forces and the British sought to maintain control. In a show of force, the EAM organized a large rally in Syntagma Square on Sunday, December 3rd. The rally turned into a bloodbath, as demonstrators were met with a barrage of gunfire from security forces, resulting in 30 dead and 148 injured. Particularly fierce battles took place in the Makrygianni area for control of the Syntagma Police Station (December 6–11, 1944). By mid-December, the British engaged ELAS forces in the eastern neighborhoods of Athens, especially in its stronghold, Kaisariani, but also in areas like Omonia Square, Psiri, and Metaxourgeio. On January 11, 1945, ELAS signed a ceasefire with the British, and by February 12, 1945, the Dekemvriana formally ended with the Varkiza Agreement. This event had long-term consequences on the political history of Greece and set the stage for the Greek Civil War, which followed from 1946-1949. Pictured: A photograph from an English-language media source depicting tram cars used as hiding places for snipers during the Dekemvriana (1944-1945) in Athens. ©Municipal Photography Museum of Kalamaria ‘Christos Kalemkeris’.