The First Greek Victory Against Ibrahim
Introduction:
On June 13, 1825, a decisive battle unfolded on the shores of Myloi during the Greek War of Independence. What began as a desperate defense against overwhelming odds became a lasting symbol of resilience and national pride. Two centuries later, we look back — not just to remember, but to retell the story. Who fought, what was at stake, and why does the name Myloi still echo through history?
One of the most significant victories of the Greeks during the War of Independence of 1821 was the triumph of a few hundred warriors over the thousands of Egyptians under Ibrahim, on June 13, 1825 (Old Calendar) at Myloi of Argolis. This victory is not particularly well-known, but as we will see at the end of this article, its importance was enormous.
Ibrahim’s Invasion and the Greek Crisis
The greatest trial for the Greek Revolution was undoubtedly the intervention of the Egyptians under Ibrahim, whose army had been trained according to European standards. The inertia of the Greeks and the absolute chaos that prevailed after the civil wars gave the Egyptians the opportunity to land in the Peloponnese in the winter of 1824-1825.
In less than five months, Ibrahim captured Sfaktiria, the Old Castle, and the New Castle. On May 20, 1825, Papaflessas fell heroically in battle at Maniaki, and the next day, the Egyptians invaded Arcadia. On May 23, they returned to the New Castle and Methoni, which they used as bases to seize and burn Kalamata and several towns in Messenia without resistance. Theodoros Kolokotronis decided to gather his forces at Dervenakia and Makryplagi, where Messenia is separated from Arcadia. However, Ibrahim quickly, guided by local Turks and prisoners, suddenly appeared to the left of the Greek forces with 8,000 infantry, cavalry, and mountain artillery. Theodoros Kolokotronis decided to gather his forces at Dervenakia and Makryplagi, where Messenia is separated from Arcadia. However, Ibrahim quickly, guided by local Turks and prisoners, suddenly appeared to the left of the Greek forces with 8,000 infantry, cavalry, and mountain artillery. Panic-stricken residents of the surrounding areas fled to save themselves. The Greek forces were reinforced by Yatrakos with 800 men from Mystras and later by Kanellos Deligiannis and Gennaios Kolokotronis with 3,000 men. The Greeks took positions on Mount Trampala and built tall and enclosed bastions. The Egyptians of Ibrahim were very formidable opponents.
Ioannis (Yannis) Makrygiannis
He fortified Myloi with vision and led brave resistance, inspiring his men with faith, courage, and refusal to surrender under siege.
The Battle of Trampala, fought primarily by Gennaios Kolokotronis and his men, was fierce. It lasted two days and three nights. The Egyptians lost around 700 men, and the Greeks 100. Yet Ibrahim managed to breach the key position of Trampala, opening the road to the center of the Peloponnese. After the defeat at Trampala, each Greek chieftain retreated with his men to a different location. Kolokotronis sent General Tsokris, his adjutant Fotakos, and others to inform the residents of Tripolitsa that they should evacuate the city after setting it on fire. Karachalios, Kolokotronis’ top warrior, was the first to arrive in Tripolitsa. However, he alarmed the townspeople with shouts that gave the impression that Ibrahim was already outside the walls. Terrified men and women fled half-dressed and barefoot, trying to escape. In the chaos, some children were separated from their parents, later found wandering the mountains or reaching Nafplio.
But Ibrahim was still far from Tripolitsa. First, he descended into the plain of Leontari, burning villages and capturing prisoners. On June 11, three days after the city had been evacuated, the Egyptians entered Tripolitsa. After stationing a garrison there, he advanced toward Argolis, and on the morning of June 12, he reached the outskirts of Nafplio with 6,000 men. Meanwhile, Kolokotronis’ failure to stop Ibrahim caused panic and despair among the Greeks. The Government, unprepared for Ibrahim’s lightning advance, had ordered Minister of War Metaxas and Makrygiannis to go to Tripolitsa and fortify it. On reaching Achladokampos, they encountered terrified refugees who incorrectly told them that Tripolitsa had already fallen.
At the church and inn of Achladokampos, Makrygiannis found food and ammunition meant for Kolokotronis. He immediately ensured they were delivered to him so they wouldn’t fall into enemy hands. He then took several families with him to Mylos near Nafplio, where there were provisions, ammunition, and supplies seized from ships intended to supply Ibrahim. The situation in Nafplio was dire. Its walls were damaged from the 1822 siege and the civil war, the water tanks were empty, food and ammunition were insufficient, and the cannons had fallen off their carriages. Refugees from Tripolitsa, Argos, and even Central Greece crowded inside and outside the city, causing supply and sanitation issues.
Theodoros Kolokotronis
He led Greek forces in revolt, coordinated major defenses, and ordered the evacuation of Tripolitsa to resist Ibrahim’s campaign.
Rogue fighters roamed the streets seeking overdue pay, taking advantage of the chaos to loot and steal. Merchants tried to escape to the islands with their families and goods. Rumors circulated that Ibrahim had made deals with prominent Greeks like Mavrokordatos and Kolettis to hand over the city. The only institution operating efficiently in all this turmoil was Nafplio’s recently established hospital, run by the German philhellene Traubert. Orderly and clean, it treated many wounded soldiers. Regular infantry morale remained high, and many brave philhellenes were ready to fight for Greece. Despite internal divisions, the Government took measures to restore order in Nafplio. Refugees were relocated, supplies were replenished, water tanks were cleaned and filled. Minister of War Andreas Metaxas coordinated these actions successfully. Metaxas and Makrygiannis decided to fortify and confront Ibrahim at Mylos of Lerna, then a small village of about 30 houses. It served as the port of Tripolitsa and supported its trade. Surrounded by streams, springs, and marshy land, the village provided excellent defensive cover for Nafplio. The government had gathered food and military supplies there for Kolokotronis, and the area could serve as a water source if Nafplio’s aqueduct was destroyed. Makrygiannis took the initiative to fortify the area, securing the wall with loopholes and reinforcing a nearby tower (kouli), making sure there was an underground water supply in case of siege.
Dimitrios Ypsilantis
As commander-in-chief, he led reinforcements to Myloi, boosting morale and securing the first victory against Ibrahim’s troops.
As they worked on fortifications, French Admiral De Rigny visited and warned Makrygiannis that the position was weak and they were too few to hold off Ibrahim’s powerful, well-armed forces. Makrygiannis replied, ‘The positions are weak, and we are few, but God is strong and protects us. We’ll see our fate from here. Two days after the Greek forces settled in Myloi, reinforcements began to arrive: Konstantinos Mavromichalis with a few men, Hatzimichalis with his own small force, Dimitrios Ypsilantis with 15 bodyguards, and more fighters. Additionally, 33 ships formed the first naval support. Ypsilantis was appointed commander-in-chief, with Mavromichalis as his deputy. Though government records mention 250 defenders, the actual number was likely closer to 480. On June 12, after resting his troops in Tripolitsa, Ibrahim advanced with 5,000–6,000 infantry and 600 cavalry. At dawn on June 13, his vanguard reached Mylos undetected as some Greek guards had left their posts to sleep. Makrygiannis, warned by a dream, led 50 men in a surprise attack that drove the Egyptians back.
Ibrahim soon arrived with the main force. After taking Argos, he surrounded Mylos. The Greeks received a final small reinforcement of Cretan fighters from two reconnaissance ships. The Egyptians completely encircled the position, except at the rear, which was covered by the sea. Mavromichalis and Hatzimichalis held a path toward Kiveri, while Makrygiannis defended the walls, tower, and nearby areas. To prevent desertion, Makrygiannis ordered the ships to move away from shore. Around 4:30 PM, the Egyptians launched a heavy three-pronged attack, hindered by the swampy terrain. Mavromichalis repelled three waves with naval fire support. Meanwhile, Makrygiannis and his men, fortified in the tower and surrounding houses, resisted fiercely. He instructed his men to target enemy officers, weakening the Egyptians’ morale. The Greeks counterattacked with drawn swords, driving the enemy from key positions.Ibrahim sent reinforcements, forcing the Greeks to briefly retreat. Makrygiannis nearly got captured while trying to retrieve the body of his fallen comrade. Luckily, fresh troops from Nafplio arrived, including the brave Olympus fighter Mitros Liakopoulos with 50 experienced men.
The Greeks then attacked from three directions—Liakopoulos from the left, Gikas from the right, and Makrygiannis from the center. Their fierce charge succeeded. Although wounded and having dropped his sword, Makrygiannis continued to lead without revealing his injury to maintain morale. As night fell, the Egyptians retreated toward Argos. Greek casualties were minimal: four dead (including a philhellene) and five wounded, among them Makrygiannis. He was later treated aboard the French flagship, receiving honors. Over 100 Egyptians were killed or wounded.
On June 14, no further battles occurred. On June 15, Egyptian forces gathered between Tiryns and Prophet Elias, signaling a possible attack on Nafplio. Their cavalry attempted to cut off water supply by occupying Aria but were pushed back by Greek reinforcements. Artillery fire from Palamidi forced the Egyptians to retreat and burn Argos and nearby villages. The victory at Myloi, the first defeat of Ibrahim, was a major morale boost for the Greeks. Had Ibrahim prevailed, Nafplio would likely have fallen. As historian Nikos Giannopoulos wrote: ‘A handful of determined—or rather desperate—men overturned his plans. The Greek government promoted Hatzimichalis to General, Liakopoulos to Lieutenant General, and the French philhellene Graillard (later the first commander of the Hellenic Gendarmerie) to Colonel. Dimitrios Ypsilantis became famous, even in the U.S., where a town in Michigan was named Ypsilanti after the Battle of Petra in 1829.
Metaxas and Makrygiannis decided to fortify and confront Ibrahim at Myloi of Lerna. At that time, Mylos was a small village with 30 houses, serving as the port of Tripolitsa. Surrounded by streams, marshes, and the legendary Lake Lerna, it was an excellent defensive position for Nafplio.The government had stored food and military supplies there, meant for Kolokotronis. Makrygiannis, on his initiative, fortified the area thoroughly, building ramparts and reinforcing the local stone tower known as the ‘koulia.’ He also redirected water underground to ensure a supply during siege. The French Admiral Derigny, later known for the Battle of Navarino, visited the site and warned Makrygiannis: ‘You are too few, they are many, and this position is weak. Ibrahim has cannons—you won’t last.’ Makrygiannis calmly replied, ‘These positions may be weak, but God who protects us is strong.’ Two days after the Greeks took position in Mylos, reinforcements began arriving—though still limited. Konstantinos Mavromichalis, Hatzimichalis, Dimitrios Ypsilantis with 15 guards, the Hatzistefanis brothers, and 33 naval ships joined to support the defenders.
Konstantinos Mavromichalis
He held the left flank at Myloi, repelling repeated enemy assaults with support from Greek ships and fearless counterattacks.
Ypsilantis was appointed general commander, Mavromichalis his deputy. Official records mention 250 men at Mylos on June 13, but it seems the total number was closer to 480.On the night of June 12, Ibrahim set out from Tripolitsa with 5,000–6,000 infantry and 600 cavalry. At dawn on June 13, he reached Mylos. Some Egyptian scouts silently approached the Greek lines, but the guards had abandoned their posts to sleep. Makrygiannis, having dreamt of a man urging him to wake up, roused 50 men and drove back the attackers. Ibrahim soon arrived with his main force. He took Argos and surrounded Mylos. Additional Cretan fighters arrived by sea to support the Greeks. The defenders’ only secure flank was toward the sea.
Around 4:30 p.m., the Egyptians launched a major assault in three waves. Marshy terrain hampered their advance. Mavromichalis and his men, aided by naval fire, repelled three attacks. Makrygiannis, holding the tower and nearby houses, ordered his men to target the Egyptian officers. Many were killed, reducing the Egyptians’ momentum and allowing the Greeks to counterattack. The Greeks charged with swords drawn, pushing back the enemy from the orchard and tower. Ibrahim, observing through a telescope, sent reinforcements. The Greeks briefly retreated but reorganized and held their ground. Makrygiannis risked capture while trying to retrieve the body of his fallen comrade. Later, fresh Greek troops arrived from Nafplio, including the heroic Mitros Liakopoulos with 50 elite fighters. They launched a three-pronged counterattack. Despite being wounded and dropping his sword, Makrygiannis concealed his injury and fought on. The Egyptians were forced to retreat. The battle lasted 3.5 hours. Ibrahim’s forces withdrew to Argos, marking his first defeat. The Greeks lost four men (one a philhellene) and had five wounded. The Egyptians suffered over 100 casualties. On June 14, there was no fighting. On June 15, Egyptians tried to cut Nafplio’s water supply but were pushed back after brief success. Cannons from Palamidi forced them to retreat and plunder Argos and nearby villages.
The significance of the victory at Myloi is immense. Had Ibrahim won, Nafplio might have fallen. It was the first major Greek success after many defeats. As Nikos Giannopoulos wrote: ‘Essentially, a handful of desperate men disrupted his plans.’
Morale soared, and the battle underscored the importance of choosing strategic terrain. The government promoted Hatzimichalis to General, Liakopoulos to Lieutenant General, and the French philhellene Graillard—later the first commander of the Greek Gendarmerie—to Colonel. Dimitrios Ypsilantis gained fame, and the city of Ypsilanti, Michigan, was named in his honor after the 1829 Battle of Petra.
Hatzimichalis Dalianis
He brought Cretan troops to aid the Myloi defense, held his ground firmly, and later died fighting Ottoman forces in Crete.
Mitros Liakopoulos
He organized Nafplio’s defense, secured supplies, managed chaos, and ensured readiness to confront the threat from Ibrahim.
Andreas Metaxas
He organized Nafplio’s defense, secured supplies, managed chaos, and ensured readiness to confront the threat from Ibrahim.
François Graillard
A French Philhellene, he supported the Greek defense at Myloi and became first commander of the national gendarmerie.
🇪🇬 Opposing Commander
Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt
Led a powerful Egyptian force but failed to take Myloi; suffered his first defeat as Greek fighters resisted against all odds.
Sources:
HISTORY OF THE GREEK NATION, Vol. XII, Ekdotiki Athinon
Nikos Giannopoulos, ‘1821 – The Battles of the Greeks for Freedom’, HISTORICAL QUEST, 2016
Michalis Stoukas June 29, 2019,
English 
Greek