A costly defeat for Greek defenders at Kastraki during the War of Independence, marked by mass civilian casualties and a tactical Greek deception that halted Ibrahim Pasha's advance.
Key Facts
- Date
- 5 May 1826
- Civilian defenders
- approx. 5,000–5,500 people
- Defenders killed
- ~400 dead, ~500 fell off cliff or buried in snow
- Prisoners taken
- ~1,000 people
- Women who jumped to escape captivity
- ~200 people
- Outcome
- Greek deception by Petimezas caused Ibrahim to withdraw
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the fall of Missolonghi in 1826, Ibrahim Pasha led his army through the Peloponnese toward Tripoli, plundering villages and enslaving inhabitants along the route. The population of Kalavryta and surrounding villages, along with monks from Agia Lavra, fled to the fortified position of Kastraki on Mount Helmos to seek refuge.
On the morning of 5 May 1826, Ibrahim Pasha's forces attacked Kastraki. The first assault was repelled, but a second attack led personally by Ibrahim broke through the Greek defensive lines. The fighting resulted in approximately 400 defenders killed, around 500 dead from falling off cliffs or buried in snow, and roughly 1,000 taken prisoner. About 200 women threw themselves off the cliff with their infants to avoid captivity.
The battle ended when Greek commander Nikolaos Petimezas deceived the Ottoman forces into believing reinforcements were approaching, prompting Ibrahim to withdraw to Kalavryta. Among those captured were the wife, sister, and son of Nikolaos Soliotis. The engagement illustrated both the heavy toll on Greek civilians and the use of tactical deception to limit further losses.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Nikolaos Petimezas.
Side B
1 belligerent
Ibrahim Pasha.