3000 soldiers (1000-1500 combatants) 6000+ soldiers Dates 20 May 1825 – 1 Jun 1825 Location Maniaki, Messenia, Greece | 1000 Greek soldiers 400 Result Ottoman-Egyptian victory | |
 | ||
Similar Greek War of Independence, Battle of Dervenakia, Battle of Alamana, Battle of Valtetsi, Battle of Sphacteria | ||
Battle of maniaki
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.
Contents
Battle
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.
Aftermath
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.