Battle of Maniaki

Part of the Greek War of Independence

Date	20 May 1825
Location	Maniaki, Messenia, Greece
Result	Ottoman-Egyptian victory

Belligerents

Greek revolutionaries

Ottoman Egypt

Commanders and leaders

Papaflessas †
Pieros Voidis †

Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt

Strength

3000 soldiers (1000-1500 combatants)

6000+ soldiers

Casualties and losses

1000 Greek soldiers

400

The Battle of Maniaki was fought on May 20, 1825 in Maniaki, Greece (in the hills east of Gargalianoi) between Egyptian forces led by Ibrahim Pasha and Greek forces led by Papaflessas.

With 3,000 Greek soldiers, Papaflessas chose to position his troops near Mount Malia in order to acquire a decent view of the plain near Navarino. From that entrenched position, Papaflessas awaited Ibrahim's forces. During the night, many Greeks from within Papaflessas's ranks fled after seeing Ibrahim's enormous armies. (Finlay places the number of remaining Greek soldiers at 1500.)

Ibrahim, in person, advanced towards the Greek position leading a force of over 6,000 soldiers. (Phillips calls the Egyptian force 'innumerable'). Papaflessas provided an eloquent speech that enhanced the morale of the remaining Greeks that decided to stay and fight. As the Arabs in Ibrahim's army attacked, the Greeks held their positions staunchly but were eventually overwhelmed. Ultimately, a large part of the remaining Greeks including Papaflessas and 400 Arabs perished in the aftermath of the battle. (Finlay places the number of Greek casualties at 1000.) The head and body of Papaflessas were recovered and placed upright on a post; not in dishonour, but as a mark of respect for a valiant foe.

Despite the defeat of Papaflessas, the battle itself helped to change and strengthen the declining morale of other Greeks who contributed to the independence movement.

Coordinates: 37°04′35″N 21°46′21″E / 37.0764°N 21.7725°E / 37.0764; 21.7725

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