the main gate

During the Greek War of Independence, the Ottoman Turks tried unsuccessfully in 1822 and 1823 to capture Missolonghi.
In 1826, the Ottomans returned with a larger army. They surrounded the land walls but were unable to breach them.
The siege lasted over a year. Food supplies were delivered by sea but when these were cut off by an Ottoman navy, the Greeks devised a desperate escape plan. All able fighting men were to break out through the main gate.
They were to be followed by the women and children.
Meanwhile a diversionary group was to attack the Ottomans from the rear.

The plan failed. The Ottomans had been made aware of the plan, ambushed those who burst through the gate and then proceeded to enter the city. Of the 7000 that tried to escape only 1000 made it to safety. Within the walls, many Greeks killed themselves rather than surrender. The remaining population was either slaughtered or sold into slavery.

The slaughter of Missolonghi inspired great sympathy in the rest of Europe for Greek independence.
Delacroix’s painting, Greece Expiring on the Ruins of Missolonghi (1827) and Rossini’s opera, Le Siege de Corinthe, brought further attention to the cause. Eventually, Britain, France and Russia intervened on Greece’s behalf at the Battle of Navarino.
Greek Independence was assured and by 1830, Missolonghi again flew the Greek flag.