Execution of Rigas Feraios: What Happened
On 24 June 1798, the Greek writer and revolutionary Rigas Feraios was executed by the Ottomans in the Nebojša Tower in Belgrade, along with seven of his companions. Rigas was born around 1757 in Velestino, near Volos, and worked as a secretary and translator for Greek princes in the Danubian principalities before moving to Vienna. Inspired by the French Revolution, he dreamed of freeing the Balkan peoples from Ottoman rule and uniting them in a democratic republic in which all ethnic and religious groups would have equal rights. He wrote a constitution for this republic, drew a large map of Greece, and composed the Thourios, a stirring war hymn calling on Greeks and other Balkan peoples to rise up. Its most famous line declares that one hour of free life is better than forty years of slavery. In 1797, while traveling to Greece, Rigas was betrayed and arrested by the Austrian authorities, who handed him over to the Ottomans. His death made him a martyr and the first great hero of the Greek independence movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rigas Feraios?
Rigas Feraios was a Greek writer and revolutionary born around 1757 in Velestino, near Volos. He dreamed of freeing the Balkan peoples from Ottoman rule.
What is the Thourios?
The Thourios is a war hymn written by Rigas calling on Greeks and other Balkan peoples to rise up. Its famous line says one hour of free life is better than forty years of slavery.
How did Rigas Feraios die?
Rigas was betrayed and arrested by the Austrian authorities in 1797 and handed over to the Ottomans. He was executed in Belgrade on 24 June 1798 with seven companions.
What did Rigas Feraios want?
Inspired by the French Revolution, Rigas wanted a democratic republic in which all ethnic and religious groups of the Balkans would have equal rights.
Why is Rigas Feraios important?
His writings and death made him a martyr and the first great hero of the Greek independence movement, inspiring the revolution of 1821.
