Battle of Phaleron: What Happened
On 24 April 1827, Greek forces trying to relieve the Ottoman siege of the Acropolis of Athens were crushed in a battle near Phaleron, on the coast of Attica. The attempt was organized by the Greek government, which had recently appointed two British officers, Richard Church and Thomas Cochrane, to command its army and navy. The most experienced Greek commander in the region, Georgios Karaiskakis, had been leading successful operations around Athens. On 22 April, Karaiskakis was mortally wounded in a skirmish, and he died the next day. His death was a devastating blow. Church and Cochrane went ahead with a plan to land troops at Phaleron and march on the Ottoman positions to break through to the Acropolis. The attack was poorly coordinated, and the Greek troops advanced across open ground, where they were caught by Ottoman cavalry commanded by Mehmed Reşid Pasha. Around 1,500 Greeks were killed, making it one of the worst Greek defeats of the war. The Acropolis surrendered several weeks later. Karaiskakis became one of the great heroes of the revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of Phaleron?
The Battle of Phaleron, on 24 April 1827, was a failed Greek attempt to relieve the Ottoman siege of the Acropolis. It was one of the worst Greek defeats of the war.
Who was Georgios Karaiskakis?
Georgios Karaiskakis was one of the most successful Greek commanders of the revolution. He was mortally wounded in a skirmish on 22 April 1827, just before the battle.
Who commanded the Greeks at Phaleron?
The Greek forces were under the British officers Richard Church and Thomas Cochrane, who had recently been appointed to command the army and navy.
Why did the Greeks lose at Phaleron?
The attack was poorly coordinated, and the Greek troops advanced across open ground, where they were caught by Ottoman cavalry.
How many Greeks died at Phaleron?
Around 1,500 Greeks were killed. The defeat led to the surrender of the Acropolis several weeks later.
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