In 1925 Greece adopted the idea of constructing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an idea which had first been proposed and implemented by the French after the end of the First World War.

In 1926, according to a relevant law, a Pan-Hellenic competition was announced for the construction of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was to be built in front of the main entrance of the Parliament building, facing Syntagma Square.

On the 9^th of October 1926 the Military Ministry, with ordinance number 219188 awarded the prize to the architect Emmanuel Lazaridis. However the decision to erect the tomb in the aforementioned post was delayed, as it met with many objections and opposing opinions. A new committee was formed in June of 1928, and the Cabinet accepted its proposals. In April 1929 works began and the monument was completed on March of 1932. Its inauguration took place at the time of the National Holiday of the same year. At the monument, there are parts from the speech of Perikli’s funeral in 430 b.c , which were created the first year  after the Peloponnese War so as to honour the Fallen citizens of Athens. Also, there are the names of the places were Greeks gave their most glorious battles. Though delayed, the name of Cyprus was last added.