Markos Botsaris killed in Battle of Kefalovryso

On August 9, 1823, Markos Botsaris, a prominent leader of the Greek War of Independence, was killed during the Battle of Kefalovryso in Karpenisi. Facing superior forces of Turko-Albanians, Botsaris led a group of approximately 350 to 450 Souliotes to victory before his death.

Described by Victor Hugo as the "Leonidas of modern Greece," Botsaris was a member of a distinguished Souliote family. His military career included significant successes at Vogortsi, Dramos, and the Siege of Missolonghi. To unite his forces and address the jealousy of other local chieftains regarding his appointment as General of Western Central Greece, he famously tore up his official appointment document, stating, "Whoever is worthy takes the diploma tomorrow in front of the enemy."

Following his death, he was buried with honors in Messolonghi. His legacy was recognized internationally, with the French state naming a Paris Metro station after him in 1911.