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Siege of Secu Monastery(1821)

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Sep–Oct 4, 1821·Ottoman besieging force victory·siege·fortified monastery, Carpathian foothills

Background

Final act of the Ypsilantis Expedition. Ypsilantis had already surrendered to Austrian authorities after Drăgășani, leaving Olympios and Pharmakis as the last Eterist commanders — cut off and without any prospect of external aid.

Campaign: Ypsilantis Expedition 1821

Forces Engaged

Defeated
Greek Eteria remnants
Commander: Giorgakis Olympios
Strength: 400
Victor
Ottoman besieging force
Commander: Selich Pasha
Strength: 10,000

The Battle

Georgakis Olympios, Greek freedom fighter who made his last stand at Secu Monastery in 1821, by Dionysios Tsokos
Georgakis Olympios, Greek freedom fighter who made his last stand at Secu Monastery in 1821, by Dionysios Tsokos (c. 1821) — Dionysios Tsokos (19th century). Public domain.

400 survivors barricaded in Secu Monastery for 23 days. Olympios detonated the powder magazine rather than surrender. Pharmakis was later beheaded in Constantinople.

Casualties & Outcome

395
Greek Eteria remnants
casualties
?
Ottoman besieging force
casualties

~395 Greek defenders killed (including Olympios); Ottoman losses light

Ottoman besieging force achieved victory over Greek Eteria remnants.

Olympios's death and Pharmakis's surrender (Oct 4) ended all organized Greek military resistance in the Principalities. Pharmakis was later executed in Constantinople.

Significance & Legacy

Last armed engagement of the 1821 Danubian uprising. Became a founding martyrdom legend.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Siege of Secu Monastery?
The Siege of Secu Monastery took place in 1821. Sep–Oct 4, 1821.
Who won the Siege of Secu Monastery?
The Ottoman besieging force were victorious against the Greek Eteria remnants.
What was the significance of the Siege of Secu Monastery?
Last armed engagement of the 1821 Danubian uprising. Became a founding martyrdom legend.

Related Battles

Raid on Galați1821 · Filiki Eteria victoryTudor's March to Bucharest1821 · Wallachian Pandurs victoryBattle of Drăgășani1821 · Ottoman Empire victoryBattle of Sculeni1821 · Ottoman Empire victoryBattle of Galați1821 · Ottoman forces victoryClash at Motru Valley1821 · Ottoman Punitive Force victory
View all Wallachian Uprising battles →

Sources

  • Dakin, D. — The Greek Struggle for Independence
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