Siege of Missolonghi
Missolonghi (Mesolongi), Aetolia-Acarnania, Greece
What happened
Greek defenders, led by Notis Botsaris and others, with some European volunteers, held the town against Ottoman forces under Reşid Mehmed Pasha and Egyptian forces under Ibrahim Pasha. During the Greek War of Independence, an Ottoman army besieged the lagoon town of Missolonghi for a year. When Egyptian ships cut off supplies by sea, the people ran out of food. On the night of 10 April 1826, the defenders and townspeople tried to break out together, but only a small number reached safety.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The fall of Missolonghi stirred deep sympathy for the Greek cause across Europe. That support helped lead Britain, France and Russia to intervene, which secured Greek independence.
What came next
Missolonghi was given the honorary title 'Sacred City'.
Did you know?
The English poet Lord Byron, who supported Greek independence, had died in Missolonghi in 1824; his heart is kept in a memorial there.
Timeline
- April 1824Lord Byron dies in Missolonghi.
- 15 April 1825The siege begins.
- Early 1826Ibrahim Pasha's Egyptian forces join the siege.
- 10 April 1826The defenders attempt a breakout; the town falls.
- 1827The Battle of Navarino.