Kyriakos “Kitsos” Tzavellas (1801 – March 9, 1855)

Kyriakos “Kitsos” Tzavellas (1801 – March 9, 1855)

From Souli in Epirus, Tzavellas was a Greek Fighter during the Revolution of 1821 and later, a Greek Army General, Greek Minister for War and Greek Prime Minister.

He spent most of his childhood on Corfu, following the Souliote Wars against the Ottomans and their expulsion from their homeland in 1803.

By 1820, Kitsos Tzavellas and his family had returned to their homeland. Despite his young age when the Greek War of Independence broke out, he was already a captain of the Souliotes and would go on to play a pivotal role during the Revolution. Raising money for supplies and weapons and personally taking part in the fighting.

He performed with distinction during the First and Second Siege of Messolonghi, as well as at the Battle of Karpenisi. Before playing a pivotal role during the Battle of Ampliani in Central Greece, which was a significant victory for the Greeks during the Revolution.

He took part in many subsequent battles throughout the Peloponnese and Attica and was made a Chilliarch (Commander) by Greece’s 1st Modern Head of State Ioannis Kapodistrias, entrusting him in wiping out the remaining Ottomans throughout Central Greece.

Tzavellas was a close ally of Ioannis Kapodistrias who trusted him greatly. Following Kapodistrias’ assassination Tzavellas like Kolokotronis, was controversially imprisoned, later to be released.

Following the Revolution, Tzavellas was appointed Minister for War in 1844 and Prime Minister in 1847-1848.

A bust of Tzavellas is located in Pedion Areos in Athens.