On the grates of Omonia, at least they died in warmth. That’s why many people, once they arrived in the moment, hurried to claim a spot to lie down. However, not everyone could fit, so they formed a line. When someone passed away, the constable would quickly arrange for their removal. A cart would come to take them away, leaving the spot available for the next person in line. Priority was given unless a young person was behind an older individual; in that case, the one in front would yield.
At night, those who could bear it would leave, while the others spent the night in warmth. In the morning, the others would reclaim their spots. They had created their own system of rules and order among themselves. A similar process occurred with clothing: when someone died, those with less clothing would share the deceased’s belongings. They would leave the body with just their underwear or a rag around their loins—nothing more.
Rita Boumi-Papa, When We Were Hungry and Fighting, Athens 1975