The role of the Argosaronic Islands in the Revolution of 1821

On the occasion of the floating exhibition "RECONSTRUCTION '21" which took place in the summer of 2022, let's see the role played by the Argosaronic Islands during the Revolution of 1821. The role played by Hydra, Poros and Aegina can every visitor discovers it, since the monuments, attractions, mansions and museums that exist in them are countless.

Hydra

The manorial Hydra was the island with the greatest importance for the Liberation Struggle, without underestimating the role of the other islands. The city of Hydra had about 15,000 inhabitants and experienced economic growth during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).

Its merchant ships formed the core of the Greek fleet. The funds of the shipowners of the island financed the naval race. It was deemed necessary from the beginning for Hydra to participate vigorously in the sea race. Her fleet contributed strategically to the consolidation and success of the Revolution. At the same time, it effectively hindered the maritime transport of the Ottomans. Thus the Ottoman army failed to dominate southern Greece administratively. On the contrary, the Greek naval forces, led by the Hydra fleet, ensured the high-speed maritime communication of the Greeks with each other and their supply with material and human resources.

Hydra dominated all fields, military and political events. He cooperated with the rest of the participating islands, but without avoiding conflicts. It played a leading role in the conclusion of the English loans and civil strife during and after the War of Independence.

The result of all this was to leave a strong mark on the formation of the new Greek state later on.

Poros

Poros rebelled after Psara and contributed money, ships, material and manpower to the Liberation Struggle. Many monuments have been preserved from that period.

During the Revolution, it became the seat of the provisional Greek government and was a naval station of the country's Navy thanks to the natural fortification of its bay.

Gradually, the Poriotian merchants, captains and others were introduced to the aims of the Society. Thus shortly before the Revolution broke out, Poros and the rest of the Argosaronic Islands had men experienced in war, with a strong element of camaraderie and cooperation. Many ships from Hydra and Spetses anchored in Poros in winter, because their own harbors were small.

The action on land began with the beginning of the Revolution, while from April 1821 participation in it was active. Poros along with Hydra marched together for over two decades in the Struggle.

The island was also a safe place for the safekeeping of war material. When the Hydra tried to appropriate the naval supplies, it was decided to transfer them to Poros where a rudimentary naval station was set up. Central warehouses were built, where supplies arrived to be distributed to the civilian Greek population who were having a hard time.

The allied fleet started from Poros for the naval battle of Navarino in 1827 which was crowned with success.

In general, Poros was the safest port, but also the quietest place. The work of the National Assembly in 1826 was transferred to Poros. Also, the Anti-Government committee that was appointed by the Troizina Assembly, had its headquarters in Poros for two months (April-June 1827) until the arrival of Ioannis Kapodistrias in Greece.

Aegina

Aegina's participation in the liberation struggle is evident throughout the island to this day. Buildings such as the Government House, the Orphanage that housed the Prisons, the Metropolis and other Kapodistrian buildings prove the role of Aegina before, during and after the Revolution. Mansion houses (of Trikoupis, Kanaris, Mavrokordatos) prove the island's contribution to the reconstruction of the now free Greek state.

Its geographical position in the center of the Saronic Gulf ensured its participation in the operations of the Battle. Aegina was at a safe distance from the coasts where the military operations were taking place. It was therefore the most suitable supply and transport base.

According to historians' studies, 361 Aeginetan warriors took part in the Battle, many of whom held military ranks. Also, with the start of the Revolution, the island offered 68 ships.

During the Revolution, the civilian population and refugees from islands that had already been destroyed by the Turks found refuge in Aegina.

Finally, during the years 1826-1827, the Greek government settled on the island. In 1827 Aegina was designated as the first capital of the newly formed Greek state until 1829. It then gave way to Nafplio.

Tags: revolution, epanacyctasi, 1821, Hydra, Poros, Aegina