Who Were the Philhellenes?
"Philhellenes" (literally “friends of Greece”) were foreign volunteers—mainly from Europe and the United States—who believed passionately in the Greek cause. Inspired by classical ideals, romantic nationalism, and liberal democratic principles, they joined the revolution either as fighters, fundraisers, doctors, or advocates. By the time of the Third Siege, the Philhellenic movement had matured: no longer just symbolic, many of its members were integrated directly into the military and defense efforts of key cities like Missolonghi.
Of particular significance is, the Cypriots demonstrated their solidarity during the siege of Missolonghi by sending 120 volunteers—a significant gesture that symbolized their shared heritage and common Hellenic roots.
Legends of the Foreign Defenders
Several foreign figures became legends for their heroism and sacrifice in Missolonghi:
Lord Byron (UK)
- Though he died in Missolonghi in 1824 (before the Third Siege), Byron’s impact reverberated powerfully during the siege.
- He provided funds, led political coordination, and trained troops, becoming a symbol of noble sacrifice.
- His death turned Missolonghi into a sacred site for European liberals and romantics, transforming the city’s resistance into a near-mythical struggle.
Johann Jakob Meyer (Switzerland)
- A Swiss publisher and one of the Philhellenic intellectuals who stayed in Missolonghi.
- He died during the siege, remembered not just for his military service but for his efforts to document and support Greek culture and independence.
Francesco Normann (Germany)
- A Bavarian Philhellene who had served in various parts of Greece and was a high-ranking officer in the defense of Missolonghi. The Germans were the majority of the foreigners who supported the greek revolution.
- He trained Greek irregulars and helped bring European-style tactics to the battle.
Colonel Charles Nicolas Fabvier (France)
- A key military advisor to the Greeks, Fabvier organized and trained Greek troops in European military techniques. While he wasn’t at Missolonghi during the final siege, he was instrumental in other campaigns.
Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe (American)
- A physician and abolitionist from Boston, he served as a surgeon during the war, including near Missolonghi, and later raised funds and awareness for Greek relief efforts.
Italian and French Volunteers
- A number of Italians, many of them Carbonari revolutionaries, joined the siege, seeing it as a parallel to their own fight against tyranny.
- French volunteers, particularly young officers and students, brought artillery experience and medical aid.
European and American Support
Public Opinion and Political Pressure
- In Britain, France, Germany, and even the United States, the plight of Missolonghi was followed closely in newspapers and literary circles.
- The death of Lord Byron had created a surge of Philhellenic sentiment. The Third Siege became a defining moral struggle in the West.
- Artists, poets, and intellectuals—including Victor Hugo, Percy Shelley, and Delacroix—immortalized the siege in art and verse, framing it as a Christian, democratic fight against Eastern despotism.
Material and Financial Aid
- Philhellenic committees in London, Paris, Berlin, and Boston raised funds for ammunition, medical supplies, and food.
- Ships carrying aid often tried to break the Ottoman naval blockade to reach Missolonghi, though many were intercepted or forced to retreat.
- American Philhellenes, inspired by shared revolutionary ideals, sent donations and medical professionals, although U.S. military volunteers were fewer compared to Europe.
Symbolism and Morale
By April 1826, with starvation and disease rampant, the leaders of Missolonghi decided on a desperate breakout—the famous Sortie of Missolonghi on the night of April 10:
- The presence of foreign volunteers in the trenches boosted morale and reinforced the belief that Missolonghi stood not just for Greece, but for the shared ideals of liberty and humanity.
- Even after their deaths, Philhellenes were venerated in Greek culture and given near-mythical status. Monuments, poems, and entire cemeteries (like the Garden of Heroes in Missolonghi) preserve their memory.
Legacy
- The sacrifice of the Philhellenes in Missolonghi turned international sympathy into tangible intervention. European powers, especially Britain, France, and Russia, began to push diplomatically—and later militarily—toward aiding the Greek cause.
- The events at Missolonghi and the deaths of foreign fighters played a direct role in shifting public and political opinion, which ultimately led to the Battle of Navarino (1827)—a decisive allied intervention that secured Greek independence.