Orlov Revolt: What Happened
In 1770, during a war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, Greeks in the Peloponnese rose up against Ottoman rule with Russian encouragement. The uprising is known as the Orlov Revolt, after the Russian brothers Alexei and Fyodor Orlov, who led the naval expedition sent to support it. Russian agents had promised Greek leaders, especially in the Mani region, that a large Russian force would come to help free Greece. In February 1770, a small Russian force landed, and Greek fighters joined them, but the Russians brought far fewer troops than promised. The rebels had some early successes but failed to capture key fortresses. The Ottomans responded by sending in thousands of Albanian irregular troops, who crushed the revolt and brought years of terror, plunder and killing to the Peloponnese. The Russian fleet went on to destroy the Ottoman navy at the Battle of Chesma in July 1770, off the coast of Asia Minor, but this did not save the Greeks. The failure left bitterness toward Russia, and many Greeks concluded that they would need to win their freedom themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Orlov Revolt?
The Orlov Revolt was a Greek uprising against Ottoman rule in the Peloponnese in 1770, encouraged by Russia during its war with the Ottoman Empire.
Why is it called the Orlov Revolt?
It is named after the Russian brothers Alexei and Fyodor Orlov, who led the naval expedition sent to support the uprising.
Why did the Orlov Revolt fail?
Russia sent far fewer troops than promised, and the rebels failed to capture key fortresses. The Ottomans sent Albanian irregulars who crushed the revolt.
What happened after the Orlov Revolt?
The Peloponnese suffered years of terror, plunder and killing by the Albanian irregular troops sent to crush the revolt.
What was the Battle of Chesma?
In July 1770, the Russian fleet destroyed the Ottoman navy at Chesma, off the coast of Asia Minor, but this victory did not save the Greek rebels.
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