Conditions Inside the town
The siege began in April 1825 and lasted for almost a full year, ending in April 1826. The defenders—made up of Greek revolutionaries, townspeople, women, and children—were cut off from consistent outside help. As the months dragged on:
- Food became scarce. Civilians and fighters were forced to eat grass, boiled leather, rats, and even dead animals.
- Water sources were limited, often contaminated, increasing the spread of disease and infection.
- The city was relentlessly bombarded by Ottoman and Egyptian artillery, destroying homes, public buildings, and fortifications.
- Despite this, the morale remained astonishingly high, fueled by patriotism, religion, and a refusal to surrender.
How They Survived
The people of Missolonghi were incredibly resourceful:
- Rainwater was collected and rationed carefully.
- Community kitchens were set up, sharing whatever food could be found.
- Women and children helped in various roles—caring for the wounded, making ammunition, carrying supplies, and even fighting when necessary.
- Medical aid was rudimentary, mostly handled by volunteers and religious figures. Many died of wounds that would have been survivable in better conditions.
Defensive Strategies and Weapons
Missolonghi had already withstood two previous sieges, so it had fortified itself as best it could:
- The city’s defenses relied heavily on earthen ramparts, makeshift barricades, and mud-brick walls.
- Narrow causeways and swampy terrain made it difficult for the attackers to advance in large numbers.
- Trenches and redoubts were constructed quickly by townspeople and soldiers.
- They also used small naval boats (including fire ships) to occasionally disrupt the Ottoman fleet.
Weapons Used by the Defenders:
- Muskets and flintlock rifles, often outdated and in short supply.
- Swords, sabers, and knives—especially in close combat during sorties.
- Handmade grenades and crude explosives made from available materials.
- Cannon and mortars, many captured or salvaged, were used sparingly due to limited ammunition.
Resistance to Massive Attacks
The Ottomans and Egyptians launched multiple large-scale attacks, including:
- Naval blockades to prevent supplies from entering.
- Siege trenches and mines to weaken and breach the walls.
- Night assaults, trying to take advantage of darkness and confusion.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the defenders mounted counterattacks, often launching sorties—small, sudden raids outside the walls to damage enemy positions, burn supply lines, and gather intelligence. The people’s determination and unity played a massive role in resisting the siege. Even when facing starvation, they refused to surrender, believing that liberty was more valuable than life.