The Greek Commanders and Figures
- Markos Botsaris: Though killed two years prior to the siege, Botsaris’ legacy inspired the city’s defenders. He was a Souliot leader and symbol of bravery.
- Notis Botsaris: Markos' relative, who continued the fight in Missolonghi and elsewhere.
- Athanasios Razos: A military leader who played an important role in organizing the defense of the city.
- Christos Kapsalis: A merchant turned revolutionary who famously sacrificed himself during the final sortie by blowing up the gunpowder stores, killing himself and Ottoman soldiers rather than surrender.
- Kyriakos Mavromichalis: Member of the influential Maniot family, who contributed to the coordination of reinforcements and internal resistance.
- Lord Byron: Though he died in Missolonghi in 1824 (before the third siege), his efforts and death galvanized European support. His presence lingered as a moral and symbolic inspiration.
- Women and Civilians: Women played a crucial role by nursing the wounded, making ammunition, and even fighting when needed. Their resilience was a backbone of the city's endurance.
- The Role of Philhellenes: Many European volunteers—especially from Britain, Germany, France, and Italy—fought alongside the Greeks. Their presence added a moral dimension to the battle, highlighting Missolonghi as a global symbol of the fight for liberty.
The Ottoman and Egyptian Commanders
The besieging army was a combined force of Ottoman Turks under Reşid Mehmed Pasha and Egyptian troops under Ibrahim Pasha, the son of the powerful Muhammad Ali of Egypt. This alliance was formed to crush the Greek resistance once and for all.
- Reşid Mehmed Pasha (Kiutahi Pasha): Ottoman general in charge of the siege. He had previously besieged Missolonghi twice, but the third siege was a far more organized and prolonged campaign. He oversaw the construction of siege works, trench systems, and artillery bombardments, aiming to starve the city into surrender.
- Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt: A seasoned military leader with modern tactics and a powerful army trained along European lines. His arrival with reinforcements and more sophisticated weaponry significantly tipped the scale in favor of the besiegers. Ibrahim employed scorched-earth tactics and relentless assaults, testing the city’s endurance.
Military Advantage
The Ottoman-Egyptian coalition had overwhelming superiority in manpower, artillery, and supplies. They used siege engineering, including mining, artillery bombardment, and blockade tactics, to cut off all routes of escape or supply into the city.
The Struggle of Unequal Forces
Despite their desperation, the defenders of Missolonghi held out for nearly a year under constant bombardment and starvation. Disease and hunger claimed thousands before swords ever did. The besieged population had dwindled to around 3,000 fighters and 6,000 civilians by April 1826, most of them malnourished and ill. The final act came during the "Exodus of Missolonghi" (April 10–11, 1826)—a mass breakout attempt where most defenders and civilians were either killed or captured. Only a few hundred escaped.