Everyday Life During the Occupation

In the course of the occupation, the island population came face to face with a gruelling new reality. Confiscation of agricultural produce by the occupation forces led to serious food shortages and a lack of essential items, particularly in the urban centres. The occupiers often implemented forced labour projects to cater for their needs, and frequently resorted to terrorizing the civilian population in response to acts of resistance.

Everyday life in Heraklion adapted to the new circumstances. The value of money plummeted day by day, while prices for commodities such as oil and grain skyrocketed. Black marketing was rife. The authorities imposed a nighttime curfew and the port was placed out of bounds. Cars, carts and factory machinery were requisitioned. Possession of a hunting rifle was punishable by death. Radios were sealed to prevent them receiving allied stations. A considerable number of houses were requisitioned to serve the occupation troops. Coupled with poor diet, a serious lack of medicines led to increased mortality. Fear, insecurity and anxiety became a part of the townspeople's everyday life.