In Photos: Greek protesters storm the Acropolis

Greek protesters unfurl banners over the defensive walls of the ancient Acropolis, the country's most famous monument, to protest harsh new austerity measures as strikes began on Tuesday May 4, 2010 across the country. (AP Photo/Nikolas Giakoumidis)

Tue May 4, 3:19 pm ET

Greece has been hit hard by the financial crisis — and it has asked for a bailout. The debt-ridden nation is seeking an aid package from theEuropean Union in hope of avoiding further economic disaster. As part of the deal, the country agreed to impose severe austerity measures. One group is not happy with the budget cuts: the Greeks. Protestershave hit the streets and tangled with the police; some even broke locks on the Acropolis in Athens and raised banners that read “Peoples of Europe, rise up.” Other photos show protesters squaring off against cops in riot gear, although a teacher offers roses to one officer as a peace offering.

Click the image to see a slide show of the protests in Greece