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People
Greek War Of Independence (1821-1829)
Theodoros Kolokotronis (1770-1843)
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Theodoros Kolokotronis {Θεόδωρος Κολοκοτρώνης} (1770-1843) [Flags] [5,000 Drachmas] [Laskarina Bouboulina] [Nikitaras] [Georgios Koundouriotis] [Hellenic Post]. Also known as the "Elder of Morias" {O Geros Tou Moria ~ Ο Γέρος Τού Μοριά}. Without Theodoros Kolokotronis, there would have been no Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule. He is the most important factor in regards to the resurrection of the Greek Nation. Theodoros Kolokotronis was born in the village of Ramovouni {Ραμοβούνι} in Messinia {Μεσσηνία} where his mother had sought refuge after leaving Arkadia {Αρκαδία}. His father was the well-known chieftain, Konstandinos {Κωνσταντίνος} Kolokotronis.
At the age of 16 he started fighting in the mountains of Morias {Μοριάς}, as leader of a small band of Klephts {Kleftes ~ Κλέφτες} (name for those who took to the mountains under Ottoman rule and refused to submit). He also fought at sea under Stathas {Σταθάς}, as leader of a commando battalion. After having fought against the Ottomans on land and sea for 20 years, he was constantly pursued and reached Zakinthos {Ζάκυνθος} in 1806. There he joined the British army and rose to the rank of Major.
He was an imposing figure with a sonorous voice and all the attributes of a warlord. He was a brave leader. He became a Friend [Society Of Friends] in 1818.
The government appointed him Commander-in-Chief when he destroyed the army of Mahmud Dramali Paşa (1780-1822, Ottoman General born in Drama {Δράμα}) at Dervenakia {Δερβενάκια}. The same government imprisoned him on Idra {Ύδρα} in 1824 for insurrection [Civil Wars], but was obliged to release him four months later and once more to make him chief of operations against Ibrahim Paşa.
He was an honest friend and supporter of Ioannis Kapodistrias [People], but was persecuted by the Koletis {Κωλέτης} government following Kapodistrias' assassination. In April 1834, King Otto's [People] Viceroy alleged that he was against the monarchy and sentenced him and Plapoutas {Πλαπούτας} to death. In May 1835, when King Otto came of age, he pardoned him, released him, made him State Councillor and recognised his rank of General.
He died of a sudden stroke on February 4th, 1843.
Theodoros Kolokotronis (1770-1843)
Theodoros Kolokotronis On Horseback
(by N. Varveris {Ν.
Βαρβέρης} from the Koutlidis {Κουτλίδης} collection)
The Field Marshal's staff of office, the breastplate, the pistol and the knife of Theodoros Kolokotronis.
04-23-2004