Theodoros Kolokotronis (1770 - 1834). He came from a family of kleftes and escaped to Zakynthos where he served in the English Army. He returned to Peloponnesos on the eve of the revolution and due to his military experience, he soon became a leader among the Greek fighters. He lead the siege of Tripolis and its surrender marked the first success of the Greek revolution. In 1822 he defeated the army of Dramalis. Later, he was imprisoned by his political opponents but was freed when Ibrahim of Egypt invaded Greece, against whom Kolokotronis applied guerrilla tactics and was able to defeat him in several minor engagements. By many, Kolokotronis is considered the most important revolutionary leader.

Georgios Karaiskakis (1782 - 1827). He grew up in poverty and lived in the mountains as a kleftis. He was one of the first to support the Greek revolution and his military ability became apparent during the struggle. He was appointed by the first Greek government as chief Marshal of Eastern Greece and made Elefsina as his headquarters. Following a clash with the Turks at Haidari, he later won two famous battles at Arachova and Distomo. Sadly, he was killed in a clash with the Turks at Faliro .

Constantinos Kanaris (1793 - 1877). He came from the island of Psara. He used fire ships to severely damage the Turkish fleet at Chios and Tenedos. later the same tactics was used at Mytilene and Samos (1824). He attempted to burn the Turkish ships at the port of Alexandria in order to destroy Mehmet Ali'ss preparations against Greece but failed due to the wind was blowing in the wrong direction. He was one of the important naval leaders. With the liberation of Greece he became involved with politics opposing king Othon. Later he served as a minister and even became prime minister.

Makriyannis was born at Lidoriki, in Eastern Greece. When in June 1825, Ibrahim Pasha attacked the mills of Argos with a force of 4,000 foot-soldiers and 600 cavalrymen from his regular army, Makriyannis, with Ypsilantis, Mavromichalis and 300 men, defended the position. He had repulsed four fierce attacks by Ibrahim when, towards evening, they were reinforced by a detachment of the regular Greek regiment whose arrival forced the Turko-Egyptian forces to retreat in great disarray, with heavy casualties. Makriyannis was gravely wounded in the fighting. At the battle of Faliron on the 5th February, 1827, Makriyannis commanded the corps of Athenians.

Laskarina Boumboulina. She came from a rich family from the island of Spetse. She used her wealth to build a navy and became a leading figure in the War. After the success of the revolution in Peloponnesos and Sterea Ellada, the uprising spread in the islands. Spetse was the first of the islands to join the revolution, due in part to Boumboulina'ss leadership. The freeing of the Island of Spetse was one of the major steps towards victory for the Greeks. After Spetse's liberation, Boumboulina with her fleet took part in many naval battles in the Aegean creating probelms for the larger Turkish fleet.

Andreas Miaoulis (1769 - 1835). He was born in the Hydra. At the age of 17 he became captain of a commercial ship. During the Napeleonic wars he managed due to his courageous sea operations to accumulate considerable wealth. From the second year of the revolution he was appointed Admiral of the Greek fleet. He was the best Greek naval captain. He defeated the Turkish navy near Patra and the Turko-Egyptian navy near Geronda, and on many occasions he was able to provide supplies for Greek cities besieged by the Turks. Often he used personal funds to maintain the fleet. He would pay sailors to go on a mission and pay the Captain for his vessel if it was used as a fireboat.

Nikitaras was born at Leontari, in Arcadia, the son of a poor peasant farmer. He was a nephew of Kolokotronis and he served in the army of the Ionian Islands. In 1821 he became head of a band of pallikars. He fought Kiaya Bey at Kaki Scala and in March and April 1822, at Ayia Marina, Nikitas fought successfully under the leadership of Odysseus against Dramali, who was threatening Thermopylae. After Dramali's invasion of the Morea, Nikitas took up a position commanding the narrow passes on his route back to Corinth. There the Greeks inflicted a terrible defeat on the enemy, killing 3,000 Turks. The result of this battle won for him the nickname of Tourkophagos.

Papaflesas or Gregorios Dikaios (1788 - 1825) Papaflesas was born at messinia and became and influencial monk. He was force into exile by the Ottomans. While in exile at Constantinople he continued to support the Greek cause for freedom. As a key leader he returned to the Peloponnesos region. In 1825 when Ibrahim landed with the Egyptian army in Peloponnesos, Papaflesas leading 2000 men marched against him. During the battle which took place at a place called Maniaki, on 20 May 1825, Ibrahim with 6000 Turks attacked and killed 600 Greeks including Papaflesas.

Ali Pasha. A very popular Albanian leader in the Albanian region, who had revolted against the Ottomans prior to the revolution. His 4000 man army of Albanians and Greeks tied down many Ottoman troops during the crucial early stages of the revolution. Once he was defeated the Moslem Albanians were hired extensively by the Turks to fight the Greeks.

Botzares. The main leader of the Suilots. Considered an able leader. KIA.

Dramali. One of the early key Turkish Generals charged with ending the Greek revolt.

Hypsilanti. The surname of a Greek family who claimed the Greek throne. They produced several key leaders. Also used to denote supporters of the family.

Ibrahim. The General of the Egyptian troops deployed to Greece.

Nenkos. A Greek leader who became Pro-Turk in 1827 and raised a pro-Turk Greek force.

Odysseus. One of the early Armatoli leaders who often ruled in the territory that he held. Often successful in raids but constantly fought the central government over political control. Even negotiated several individual truces with the Turks. Killed in 1825 by other Greeks.

Reshid. One of the better Turkish Generals who operated during the later part of the war. Also known as Kutahi in some sources.

More Greek War of Independence: 1821-33

Introduction
Glossary of Terms and Key Units
Listing of Notable Units and Expeditionary Forces
Notes on Uniforms
Greek Revolutionary War Personalities
Wargaming Notes

Chronology of Key Events

1821
1822
1823
1824
1825
1826
1827
1828
1829-33