A striking resemblance to Pedro Pascal – a bit older, a little fuller – led a Māori traveler to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, and sparked a surprisingly resonant online conversation about a little-known chapter of World War II history.
The traveler, posting on TikTok, shared a video from the iconic site with the caption: “How a Māori sees the Mecca of European civilization.” The post quickly gained traction, but it wasn’t the scenery that captivated commenters; it was the opportunity to remember and honor the sacrifices made by Māori soldiers in Greece during the war.
The comments section became a space for remembrance and gratitude. One user, foxyokai, wrote, “The Māori fought for this country. We don’t forget. You are always welcome.” Another, darthmanoli, suggested, “Every Māori should have free entry to all archaeological sites and museums in Greece as a thank you.” A playful observation from Bill Sabbath noted the traveler’s resemblance to actor Pedro Pascal.
But the conversation quickly deepened, with users sharing historical details about the Māori Battalion’s involvement in the defense of Greece. Panagiotis Varlagas recalled the Battle of Thermopylae in April 1941, stating, “The 2nd New Zealand Infantry Division under Lieutenant General Bernard Freyberg took over the defense of the pass.”
The gratitude extended beyond historical acknowledgment. PSHVeteran wrote, “Greeks will never forget the help that the Māori gave us when we needed it! You are always welcome, brother! Make sure to visit the monument dedicated to your contribution in the Field of Mars in Athens!” Σοφία Κ Αγιαννίδου simply expressed, “Thank you for everything ❤️,” while Vlaxos acknowledged the 28th (Māori) Battalion with a respectful “🙏🙏.” Masatos affirmed, “We will never forget these great Māori men who fought for my country, Greece, in World War II.”
For those unfamiliar with this history, the Māori Battalion, part of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, played a crucial role in the defense of Greece in April 1941. As German forces invaded, Māori soldiers found themselves fighting alongside Allied troops, tasked with covering the retreat of forces southward. They later participated in the Battle of Crete, engaging in fierce close-quarters combat with German paratroopers, suffering significant casualties and experiencing a high number of prisoners of war.
The contribution of the Māori Battalion wasn’t merely a footnote in the larger conflict. In Athens, a monument in the Field of Mars (Pedion tou Areos) stands as a permanent tribute to the New Zealand soldiers who fought in Greece in 1941. For many Greeks, the Māori are not simply a historical detail, but a symbol of solidarity during one of the nation’s darkest hours.
The TikTok post, born from a simple travel moment, unexpectedly served as a powerful reminder of a shared history and a testament to the enduring bonds forged in wartime. It highlights how social media can unexpectedly unearth and amplify stories of courage, sacrifice, and international cooperation, ensuring that even lesser-known acts of heroism are remembered and honored by future generations. The incident also underscores the continuing resonance of World War II history, even – and perhaps especially – among younger audiences who encounter it through platforms like TikTok.
The story also speaks to a broader trend of travelers seeking deeper connections with the places they visit, moving beyond superficial sightseeing to engage with local history and culture. The Māori traveler’s experience on the Acropolis wasn’t just about admiring ancient ruins; it was about acknowledging a shared past and expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who came before.
