Aggelis Govios
Aggelis Govios
Aggelis Govios, also known as Govginas, was born in 1780 in Limni, Euboea. According to local oral tradition, his real surname was Tzoutzas or Tzotzas, a name that is still preserved in Limni today. The nickname "Govios" or "Govginas" possibly derives from the name of the well-known freshwater fish, perhaps due to his involvement with the sea.
From a young age, Govios joined the klephts, developing a pure character and a strong sense of justice. He could not tolerate the oppression of his poor compatriots, not only by the Ottoman rulers but also by the powerful local notables. These conflicts led him, around 1817, to take refuge in Ioannina, where he joined the guard of Ali Pasha. There, alongside other future leaders of the Greek War of Independence, such as Odysseas Androutsos and Athanasios Diakos, he was trained in military tactics. His participation in the Battle of the Inn of Gravia made him renowned for his bravery.
The Reorganization of the Camp at "Vrysakia"
Aggelis Govios arrived at "Vrysakia" in May 1821, where he managed, within a short period, to organize the Greek camp and transform the inexperienced Euboean fighters into brave and daring soldiers. They achieved their first major victory in the summer of 1821 in the region of Messapia—near Psachna—against the organized army of Omer Vryonis.
On July 15, 1821, Omer Vryonis, having captured Livadeia, marched towards "Vrysakia" with 2,000 men to suppress the revolution in Euboea. Govios, with only 400 men, took strategic positions and entrusted his loyal warriors, such as Kotsos Dimitriou and Thanasis Balalas, with defending the eastern and southern points of the battlefield. Thanks to his personality and strategic skill, Govios led the Greeks to a great victory after seven hours of fierce battle. Three days later, Omer Vryonis returned but found that the Greeks had withdrawn to the village of Agios. He then resorted to burning the huts of the camp at "Vrysakia" before returning to Chalcis. As soon as the enemy left, Govginas rushed to reclaim the camp.
His Plans to Advance Against Karystos and His Death
At the beginning of 1822, after the failed siege of Karystos, Govios remained the primary leader of the Revolution in Euboea. His goal was to blockade the Ottomans in Chalcis and prepare for an attack on Karystos. He requested reinforcements from warriors of Mount Olympus who were stationed in the Sporades and from other chieftains, including his brother, Anagnostis Govginas. The gathering of forces was scheduled for the night of March 28 at "Vrysakia."
However, the Ottomans, having been informed of the meeting, sent 1,000 men from Chalcis to occupy the strategic location of "Dyo Vouna" near Psachna. From there, a cavalry detachment moved towards "Vrysakia." Realizing the Ottomans' movements, Govios decided to confront them immediately, without waiting for dawn. During the pursuit of the Turkish detachment, however, he fell into an ambush at "Dyo Vouna" and was completely surrounded. In the ensuing battle, both he and his brother Anagnostis were killed, while most of the Greek soldiers managed to escape.
The death of Aggelis Govios on March 28, 1822, was a significant loss for the Revolution in Euboea. His bravery, strategic thinking, and dedication to the fight for freedom make him one of the outstanding figures of the Greek War of Independence of 1821.
Folk Song
The following folk song, which has been preserved, reflects the significance of Aggelis Govios' loss for the revolution in Euboea:
"For you, oh Aggelis, Gripo nisi weeps,
For you were lost in battle, leading the charge.
Did you not fight at the Inn of Gravia,
Against eight thousand Ghegs, emerging a true warrior?
But the Balala clan, those dogs, took your head.
All of Roumeli weeps for you, for you were a true hero."
Σχόλια