# Theodoros Kolokotronis

> Greek general (1770–1843)

**Wikidata**: [Q319678](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q319678)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodoros_Kolokotronis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/theodoros-kolokotronis

## Summary
Theodoros Kolokotronis was a Greek general and a pivotal leader in the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829). Known as "The Old Man of the Morea" (Ο Γέρος του Μοριά), he commanded revolutionary forces against Ottoman rule, securing key victories that helped establish modern Greece.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 3, 1770 (or 1770, exact month uncertain)
- **Nationality**: Greek
- **Known for**: Leading Greek revolutionary forces during the Greek War of Independence
- **Occupation**: Military general, revolutionary leader
- **Citizenship**: Greece, Ottoman Empire (historical context)
- **Member of**: Filiki Eteria (Friendly Society), a secret organization that planned the Greek Revolution

## Contributions
- **Military Leadership**: Commanded Greek forces in critical battles, including the Siege of Tripoli (1821) and the Battle of Dervenakia (1822), which weakened Ottoman control in the Peloponnese.
- **Strategic Influence**: Played a key role in organizing guerrilla warfare tactics that proved effective against the larger Ottoman army.
- **Political Role**: Served as a military and political leader in the early Greek state, contributing to the formation of the First Hellenic Republic.
- **Legacy**: Inspired later Greek military leaders and became a national symbol of resistance and independence.

## FAQs
**What was Theodoros Kolokotronis's role in the Greek War of Independence?**
Kolokotronis was a central military leader who organized and led Greek revolutionary forces in key battles, helping secure victories that were crucial for Greece's eventual independence from Ottoman rule.

**What is Theodoros Kolokotronis's nickname?**
He is widely known as "The Old Man of the Morea" (Ο Γέρος του Μοριά), reflecting his leadership and age during the revolution.

**Is there a stadium named after Theodoros Kolokotronis?**
Yes, the Theodoros Kolokotronis Stadium in Tripoli, Peloponnese, Greece, is named in his honor.

**What organizations was Kolokotronis affiliated with?**
He was a member of the Filiki Eteria (Friendly Society), a secret organization that played a major role in planning and executing the Greek Revolution.

## Why They Matter
Theodoros Kolokotronis's leadership was instrumental in the success of the Greek War of Independence. His military strategies and ability to unite disparate Greek factions under a common cause helped shift the balance against Ottoman forces. Without his contributions, the revolutionary movement might have struggled to gain the momentum needed for eventual victory. His legacy endures in Greek national identity, military history, and public commemorations.

## Notable For
- Leading Greek forces to victory in the Siege of Tripoli (1821) and the Battle of Dervenakia (1822).
- Being a founding figure of the First Hellenic Republic.
- Earning the nickname "The Old Man of the Morea" (Ο Γέρος του Μοριά).
- Membership in the Filiki Eteria, a key revolutionary organization.
- Having a stadium in Tripoli, Greece, named after him.

## Body
### Early Life
Theodoros Kolokotronis was born on April 3, 1770, in the village of Ramavouni, in the Peloponnese region of Greece. He grew up during a period of Ottoman rule, which shaped his early experiences and later revolutionary activities.

### Military Career
Kolokotronis became a prominent military leader during the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829). He commanded forces in several pivotal battles, including:
- **Siege of Tripoli (1821)**: A major victory where Greek revolutionaries captured the city of Tripoli, a key Ottoman stronghold.
- **Battle of Dervenakia (1822)**: A strategic victory that disrupted Ottoman supply lines and weakened their control over the Peloponnese.

His leadership was characterized by guerrilla warfare tactics, which proved effective against the larger and more organized Ottoman army.

### Political and Revolutionary Role
Kolokotronis was a member of the Filiki Eteria, a secret society that played a crucial role in planning the Greek Revolution. After the war, he contributed to the formation of the First Hellenic Republic, serving as a military and political leader in the early Greek state.

### Legacy and Commemoration
Kolokotronis's contributions to Greek independence have made him a national hero. His nickname, "The Old Man of the Morea," reflects his enduring influence and respect among Greeks. The Theodoros Kolokotronis Stadium in Tripoli, Peloponnese, is named in his honor, commemorating his role in the region's history.

### Cultural and Historical Impact
Kolokotronis's life and military strategies have been studied and celebrated in Greek history. His leadership during the revolution is often cited as a turning point in the struggle for independence. His legacy continues to inspire military leaders and historians, and his name remains synonymous with Greek resistance and national pride.

## References

1. Source
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. IdRef
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. CERL Thesaurus