Pallaconian Brotherhood launches digital webinar series in commemoration of Greek War of Independence

·

As the first in a series of digital webinars commemorating the bicentennial (1821 – 2021) of the Greek War of Independence, the Pallaconian Brotherhood invited Miltiadis Paikopoulos to give a lecture on the 17th of March 2021 titled ‘Laconians in the Epanastasi‘.

There was a special significance with the lecture, because on the 17th of March 200 years ago, the Laconians assembled at Areopolis in the Mani peninsula, at the behest of Petrobey Mavromichalis and declared war on the Ottoman Turks.

“As the first lecture in the series, I was aware of the significance that it would hold, and whilst I can’t comment on my own lecture, the feedback and support from the community was positive, and for that I am grateful,” Paikopoulos said to The Greek Herald.

“We were joined by around 50 live viewers across platforms, and the lecture is on track to hit 1000 views! It is truly beautiful that I am able to in some way share the struggles of the Laconians, which were key to the independence of the Greek people.”

Miltiadis’ lecture aims to be accessible for newcomers to Greek history, but also interesting and exciting for those familiar with the subject.

The lecture covered (among other things): The Laconian Revolts from 1453 – 1770 (Εξεγέρσεις από 1453 έως 1770), The Orlov Revolt (τα Ορλωφικά), The Ottoman Invasions of Mani (Οθωμανικές εισβολές στη Μάνη), Kapetan Zacharias Barbitsiotis (Καπετάν Ζαχαριάς Μπαρμπιτσιώτης), The Laconian Origins of 1821 (Λακωνική καταγωγή του 1821) and The Laconian impact on the War (Λακωνική συμβολή στον πόλεμο).

“It was my privelege and honour to discuss the contributions of my ancestors, the Laconians, to our Greek national effort, especially on the 17th of March, when the Laconians declared independence at Areopolis in Mani 200 years ago,” Paikopoulos added.

“From 1453 – 1821, we Laconians were at the forefront of the liberation movement and made many attempts prototypical of 1821. Unfortunately, this history is not widely discussed or promoted, so my greatest wish is that what I have discussed in this lecture helps make it accessible to the widest audience possible”

Miltiadis completed his BA from the University of Melbourne in 2020, double majoring in Classics and Ancient World Studies. He is currently a Juris Doctorate student at the University of Melbourne.

He has served as the Pallaconian Youth President from 2018 and has an interest in Classical Sparta, the Hellenistic East, Byzantine Greek and the history of modern Greece from the War of Independence to the 20th C.

Recently, he has also published his first book ἔργᾰ ἀκμαῖα (2021), which is a collection made up of his select undergraduate essays, covering many topics from his interests, as varied as Aristoteleian Ideology, Spartan hegemony and the 1974 invasion of Cyprus.

The Pallaconian Brotherhood thanked Miltiadis for presenting the lecture on their Laconian ancestors, bringing attention and provoking thought on a much-deserving topic.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Bouzouki Night 2025: A celebration of youth, culture and Hellenic pride in the Capital

It was a night of kefi in Canberra as 300 guests filled the Hellenic Club of Canberra for the Hellenic Youth Club’s Bouzouki Night 2025.

Cretan and Kalymnian youth in Sydney unite for a night of dance, music and kefi

The spirit of Greece came alive in Sydney as the Cretan Youth Association of Sydney and the Kalymnian Youth Society of NSW hosted Xoro.

Greek language attainment award, from yiayia’s kitchen to the classroom

The Greek Centre in Melbourne filled with pride and applause on Saturday, October 18 as the GCM honoured students of all ages.

Once a year, the future gathers at the Australian Hellenic War Memorial

Once a year, on an October spring morning, the Australian Hellenic War Memorial (AHWM) fills with the laughter of children.

Parliament House to host inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum

The Embassy of Greece in Australia will present the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, an exciting event.

You May Also Like

Taste of Greece comes to MasterChef Australia

A unique surprise is waiting the Greek fans of cooking television reality Master Chef this Wednesday, June 21.

Labor MPs Neumann, Georganas honour Australian forces who fought to defend Greece

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Shayne Neumann and Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas mark 80 Years since Allied Campaign in Greece.

60 looted Cypriot antiquities to be repatriated

Sixty Cypriot antiquities looted after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 will be returned following an agreement.