(3 April 1770 – 4 February 1843)
Theodoros Kolokotronis was a Greek general and a leading figure of the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829) against the Ottoman Empire. He is also referred to as Geros tou Moria (The Old Man of the Morea).
In 1825, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Greek forces in the Peloponnese.
He was a protagonist in many military operations of the Struggle, as in the victory in Valtetsi (Arcadia), 13 May 1821, in the Siege of Tripolitsa [Tripoli] (Arcadia), 23 September 1821, in the destruction of Dramali’s army in Dervenakia (Corinthia) 26 July 1822, where the intelligence and the boldness of his strategic mind prevailed and he saved the Struggle in the Peloponnese.
These successes led to him becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Peloponnese.
Today Kolokotronis ranks among the most prominent figures in Greece’s War of Independence.
When the war ended, Theodoros Kolokotronis turned to the works of peace and the rebuilding of our homeland.
His love for the student youth was as great as his interest in education. And it is no coincidence that he was a member of the committee that took care of the erection of the University of Athens.
Theodoros Kolokotronis deservedly won the eternal gratitude of the Nation. strong>
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