On this day in 1821, the liberation of Kalamata took place

The Battle of Kalamata took place on March 23, 1821, between the Greek irregular revolutionary forces and the Ottoman forces of the city.

It was one of the first events of the Greek War of Independence.

The result was the capture of the city by the Greeks. Kalamata became the first city to be liberated.

Greek independence heroes Kolokotronis, Nikitaras “the Turkeater,” Petros Mavromichalis, the warrior priest Papaflesas and 2,500 Greek rebels liberated Kalamata in the first major battle in the Greek War of Independence.

Following, one of the first tactical regiments was created in the city under the command of the Corsican philhellene Joseph Balestra.

The Greeks soon began the sieges of the fortresses of Neokastro and Monemvasia.

*More on GCT: On March 17, 1821, Greek War of Independence starts in Mani