Horrible Ancient Massacre On The Island Of Chios Led To Greek Independence

Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – In April 1822, a horrible massacre took place on the Greek island of Chios. The awful event shocked several European countries and forced ancient superpowers to help Greece become an independent country.

During the Greek War of Independence, also known as the Greek Revolution, against the Ottoman Empire, 120,000 inhabitants of the island Chios suffered tremendous brutality. They were killed, forced to flee, or sold as slaves. Only 900 inhabitants survived the Turkish massacre.

“Commander Kephalas plants the flag of Liberty upon the walls of Tripolizza” (Siege of Tripolitsa) by Peter von Hess. Credit: Public Domain

The island of Chios was part of the Ottoman Empire since about 1450. Living conditions were not only poor but the Greeks were constantly humiliated by the Turks. Greek rebellions were quickly and forcefully terminated and frankly, many people had little hope they would ever become free from the Turks.

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