The Birth of a Nation-State

Education and the Role of the Church

50 min

Under the Ottoman rule, a long period of intellectual darkness began in Greece. With almost all educated people and scientists having fled to Europe, the difficult work of the preservation of Greek letters fell on the Church.

Language and Culture

50 min

With intellectuals away from Greece, Church took on the role of the watchful guardian of the Greek language. But equally important for the spreading of Greek language and culture were folk poetry and songs.

Everyday Life in Ottoman Greece

50 min

Before the Revolution of 1821, Greece’s population was a mosaic of people of different religions. Amid the extremely difficult life conditions and numerous restrictions, Greeks tried to preserve their traditional way of life.

Pre-Revolutionary Movements

50 min

Since the fall of Constantinople, Greeks staged 123 smaller or bigger revolutions, which were usually instigated by the great European powers. All of them were drowned in blood, but they paved the way for the 1821 Revolution.

Intellectuals’ Struggle & the Greek Diaspora

50 min

With their modern ideas and activities, Greek intellectuals and expatriates prepared the ground for the burst of the Revolution in 1821. Two of the most emblematic figures were Adamantios Korais and Rigas Velestinlis.

The Way to Revolution

50 min

Beside Greek intellectuals, crucial role to the preparation of the Revolution played the numerous secret organizations, with Filiki Eteria being the most prominent, as well as certain areas of Greece, like Mani and Souli.

The Greek Revolution (Part 1)

50 min

On February 24, 1821, Alexandros Ipsilantis, who has taken on the leadership of Filiki Eteria after Kapodistrias’ refusal, declares the beginning of the revolution in Iasi. But the heart of the Struggle beats in the Peloponnese.

The Greek Revolution (Part 2)

50 min

Conflicts over power and the management of British loans gave rise to civil wars between rebelled Greeks. Finally, the victories of Kolokotronis and Karaiskakis as well as the tragedy in Missolonghi reignited the Struggle.

Sea and Revolution

50 min

The fact that the Revolution of 1821 was the only one to have employed the navy was the key to its success. Hydra, Spetses and Psara led the war at sea and their famous fire ships stroke some heavy blows to the Ottoman fleet.