On Monday morning, September 8, a large branch of a centuries-old oak tree—long regarded as a symbol of the Greek Revolution—collapsed in the historic settlement of Kato Ambelokipoi in the Municipality of Pylos–Nestor, Messinia, Greece.
Over the past five years, the tree had shown signs of decay and insect damage, but no protective measures had been implemented. Experts identified a dangerous infestation by the wood-boring moth Zeuzera in 2020.
Previous damage and neglect
In 2019, lightning struck the oak tree, resulting in significant damage. The Forestry Department of Kalamata conducted inspections and sent samples to the Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, confirming the insect infestation.
Despite warnings, authorities did not act to protect the tree. Over time, large portions of its branches died due to decay and the absence of protective bark.
A living monument of Greek history
The oak (Quercus ilex), estimated to be over 400 years old, stands as part of the Network of Centuries-Old Trees of the Greek Revolution.
It stood witness to the first resistance of Greeks against Ottoman-Egyptian forces during the Battle of Kato Minagia in 1825, with its survival challenging Ibrahim Pasha’s claim that Greeks would not resist his organized army.
Cultural and historical significance
French scientists who visited the Peloponnese in 1829 highlighted the importance of these oak trees, noting they sheltered pastures where shepherds and their families gathered.
Earlier records from the Second Venetian Rule (1675–1715) report extensive acorn production in Messinia, and French diplomat François Pouqueville described the abundance of oaks across the region.
By the late 18th and early 19th century, Peloponnesian ports exported roughly 1.5 million oaks of acorns annually to Marseille.
The oak tree’s role in Greece’s bicentennial celebrations
During the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution in 2021, branches from the oak tree were used for a “Wreath of Freedom,” laid at the Tomb of the Venizelos family in Chania, Crete by Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, president of the “Greece 2021” Committee.
The tree was also featured in the promotional teaser for the committee’s Network of Revolutionary Trees.
Preservation efforts and UNESCO recognition of the oak tree
Authorities plan to submit the Network of Revolutionary Trees for inclusion in Greece’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, aiming for future UNESCO recognition.
The Messinia Institute of Culture informed the Forestry Department of Kalamata and the Municipality of Pylos–Nestor about the collapsed branch and requested immediate protective measures.
The Institute also contacted the Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems and the Forest Research Institute for scientific support to safeguard this historic oak tree.
