Dimitrios Makris (1772 – 1841)

Dimitrios Makris (1772 – 1841)

Born in the village of Gavalou, Aetolia-Acarnania, in western Sterea Ellada, he was a Klepht and Armatolos who became a General during the Greek War of Independence.

Son of Evangelos, who had fought in the Greek Revolt of 1770, Dimitrios operated as a Klepht at a young age. At 15 he had killed his first Turk and as a result of continuing to attack and then plunder the Turks, he managed to gather a fair bit of wealth.

During the Greek Revolution, Makris distinguished himself in various battles in the towns around his home village, such as in Agrinio, Aitoliko and in Messolonghi, by the time of the 3rd Siege of Messolonghi (1825-26), he was a leading figure of the campaign.

Makris was known as one of the most honest and ethical Greek Revolutionaries, who never sought rewards or honours from the authorities and following the Revolution, refused offers to serve in public office.

Following his death in 1841, numerous items and weapons belonging to Dimitros Makris, were preserved in the City Hall of Messolonghi, such as his sword and his famous silver rifle.