On This Day: Independence fighter Ioannis (Brave) Kolokotronis died

·

Ioannis Kolokotronis was a warrior during the Greek war of Independence and served as a Greek politician and Prime Minister of Greece, passing away on May 23, 1868.

Ioannis Kolokotronis was born in 1805 in Zakynthos and was the second son of Theodoros Kolokotronis and Katerina Karousou. His nickname “Brave”, with which he is known, was given to him by his competitors, due to the bravery he showed on the battlefields during the Revolution.

Despite his young age, Kolokotronis took part in the siege of Tripoli and the following year in the siege of Patras. He then went to Western Greece, led by 400 men, to take part in the campaign of Alexander the Great in Epirus, but returned to the Peloponnese before the catastrophic battle of Peta (July 4, 1822).

Photo: Alexander Armenis

The brave warrior took part in many battles throughout his life, being promoted from captain to lieutenant general in 1841.

Kolokotronis famously wrote two of the most valuable sources for the history of the Revolution and the first period of the newly formed Greek state: the “Greek Memoirs, ie letter writer and various documents concerning the Greek Revolution” (1856) and the “Memoirs” (1955).

From 1828 he was married to Fotini Tzavela (1809-1890), who served as lady in honour of Queen Amalia, with the couple having six children.

Gennaios Kolokotronis died of an incurable disease on May 23, 1868.

Sourced By: San Simera

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

GCM Schools receive multiple awards at the 7th Youth Theatre on Air Festival

The Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) achieved outstanding success at the 7th International Festival “Youth Theatre On Air 2026”.

Hellenic military delegation joins Canberra commemorations for Battle of Crete anniversary

On 20 May 2026, the Cretan Association of Canberra and Districts commemorated the 85th Anniversary of the historic Battle of Crete.

Dimitris Basis receives federal recognition for mentoring young Australian musicians

Renowned international vocalist Dimitris Basis has received formal federal recognition for his outstanding community service.

Football Victoria celebrates landmark year with 2025 AGM and Annual Report release

Football Victoria’s 2025 Annual General Meeting brought together key Victorian football stakeholders to celebrate another landmark year.

George Kotsimpos sets 14th Guinness World Record with explosive push-up feat

George Kotsimpos has officially secured his 14th Guinness World Record after completing 83 decline push-ups on medicine balls in one minute.

You May Also Like

Preserving Hellenic heritage in Australia: The birth of ‘Speak Greek in March’

The idea of organising the “Speak Greek in March” campaign came to me at an Omiros graduation ceremony, where I was asked to present.

Greece celebrates UNESCO’s historic recognition of World Greek Language Day

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has hailed UNESCO’s decision to designate February 9 as World Greek Language Day.

Melbourne’s World Greek Language Day nears capacity as interest surges

Momentum continues to build for Melbourne’s World Greek Language Day, with Australian media now highlighting it as a global initiative.