Battle of Kalamata

Overview

The Liberation of Kalamata took place on 23 March (O.S.) 1821 when Greek irregular revolutionary forces took control of the city after the surrender of the Ottoman garrison, without fighting. It was one of the first events of the Greek War of Independence. Kalamata became the first major town to be liberated.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

The seizure of Kalamata on 23 March 1821 stands as one of the opening actions of the Greek War of Independence and marked the capture of the first major town by Greek revolutionary forces. The Ottoman garrison surrendered without fighting, handing the Maniot forces under Petrobey Mavromichalis and commanders including Kolokotronis, Papaflessas, and Nikitaras a swift, bloodless success. Gaining a substantial urban center so early in the revolt provided the independence movement with both a symbolic proof of viability and a practical foothold in the Peloponnese from which the wider uprising could develop.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (6)