Makronisos was used as an island prison from the end of World War 2 until the restoration of democracy in 1974. The vast majority of people were imprisoned there after the Civil War, which broke out after World War 2.
As a consequence, most of the ‘political exiles' were communist supporting fighters, politicians, and thinkers. The prisoners included both men and women. This resulted in some children being born as prisoners on the island.
Museum of Political Exiles on Makronisos in Athens In 1948 the island's prison population peaked at over 20,000. The prisoners lived in tents, exposed to the extremes of summer heat and winter winds. The tents were surrounded by barbed wire, and military personnel were the prison guards.
Terrible Conditions Time on the island was spent performing hard labour. Brutal punishments were given out to those that did not follow orders.
Food and water were transported to the island via ships. If the weather was bad, the ships didn't arrive, and people went hungry.
Escape from the island may have been on many people's minds. For all practical purposes though, it was impossible.
