Battle of Maniaki

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Battle of Maniaki
Part of Greek War of Independence
Date June 1, 1825
Location Maniaki, Greece
Result Egyptian Victory
Belligerents
Greek revolutionaries Egyptian Khedivate
Commanders
Papaflessas † Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt
Strength
3000 soldiers 6000 soldiers
Casualties and losses
800-1000 Greek soldiers 400 Arabs

The Battle of Maniaki was fought on May 20, 1825 in Maniaki, Greece (in the hills east of Gargalianoi) between Egyptian forces led by Ibrahim Pasha and Greek forces led by Papaflessas.[1] With 3000 Greek soldiers, Papaflessas chose to position his troops near Mount Malia in order to acquire a decent view of the plain near Navarino. From that entrenched position, Papaflessas awaited Ibrahim's forces. Many of the Greeks in Papaflessas's ranks fled after seeing Ibrahim's enormous forces.[2] Ibrahim, in person, advanced towards the Greek position leading a force of 6000 soldiers.[3] However, 600 Greeks decided to stay and fight (Finlay places the number at 600[4]). After Papaflessas provided an eloquent speech that enhanced the morale of his troops, the Arabs in Ibrahim's army attacked. The Greeks held their positions staunchly but were eventually overwhelmed by Ibrahim's forces. Ultimately, all 300 Greeks including Papaflessas and 1000 Arabs perished in the aftermath of the battle (Finlay places the number of Greek casualties at 300[5]). Yet, despite the defeat of Papaflessas, the battle itself helped to change and strengthen the declining morale of other Greeks who contributed to the independence movement.[6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Finlay, p. 75.
  2. ^ Phillips, pp. 177-178.
  3. ^ Finlay, p. 75.
  4. ^ Finlay, p. 75.
  5. ^ Finlay, p. 75.
  6. ^ Phillips, pp. 178-179.

[edit] See also

[edit] Sources

  • Finlay, George. History of the Greek Revolution. Blackwood and Sons, 1861 (Harvard University).
  • Phillips, Walter Alison. The War of Greek Independence, 1821 to 1833. Smith, Elder and Company, 1897 (University of Michigan).