13 Facts About Georgios Karaiskakis

Georgios Karaiskakis, born Georgios Karaiskos, was a Greek military commander and a leader of the Greek War of Independence.

Georgios Karaiskakis's father was the armatolos of the Valtos district, Dimitris Iskos or Karaiskos, his mother Zoe Dimiski and cousin of Gogos Bakolas, captain of the armatoliki of Radovitsi.

Georgios Karaiskakis rose quickly through the ranks, eventually becoming a protopalikaro, or lieutenant.

Georgios Karaiskakis served in the army of Ali Pasha in his war against the Ottomans, but after his defeat and death, Georgios Karaiskakis fled to Vonitsa.

Georgios Karaiskakis gathered supporters from Valtos and other areas, and was joined by Yannakis Rangos.

When Mustafa Pasha Bushatli, the Pasha of Scutari, arrived at Larissa in 1823, he ordered Georgios Karaiskakis to come before him and reaffirm his loyalty in person, rather than through a representative as was usual.

Georgios Karaiskakis' reputation grew during the middle and latter stages of the war.

Georgios Karaiskakis helped lift the second siege of Missolonghi in 1823, and did his best to save the town from its third siege in 1826.

In 1827, Georgios Karaiskakis participated in the failed attempt to raise the siege of Athens and later participated in the massacre of the Ottoman garrison stationed in the convent of Saint Spyridon in Piraeus.

Georgios Karaiskakis was killed in action on his Greek name day, 23 April 1827, after being fatally wounded by a rifle bullet during the Battle of Phaleron.

Georgios Karaiskakis was buried in the church of Saint Dimitrios on the island of Salamis, according to his expressed desire to be buried on the island.

Georgios Karaiskakis was famous among the fighters of the revolution for his tirade manner of speaking.

Georgios Karaiskakis was married to Engolpia Skylodimou, and had four children: daughters Pinelopi and Eleni, and sons Spyridon and Dimitrios.