Angelis Govios facts for kids
Angelis Govios (also known as Govginas) was a brave leader during the Greek War of Independence. He helped organize the fight against the Ottomans on the island of Euboea. Today, you can find a statue honoring him near the town of Psachna in Euboea.
Quick facts for kids
Angelis Govios
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A portrait of Angelis Govios
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| Native name |
Αγγελής Γοβιός
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| Born | c. 1780 Limni, Sanjak of Eğriboz, Ottoman Empire (now Greece) |
| Died | 28 March 1822 Dyo Vouna, Sanjak of Eğriboz, Ottoman Empire (now Greece) |
| Allegiance |  First Hellenic Republic |
| Service/ |
 Hellenic Army |
| Battles/wars |
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Who Was Angelis Govios?
Angelis Govios was born around 1780 in a place called Limni, Euboea. People in Limni say his real family name was Tzoutzas or Tzotzas. "Govios" was actually a nickname given to him.
He learned how to fight and be a soldier in a special military school. He served with other important Greek leaders, like Odysseas Androutsos and Athanasios Diakos. They were part of the army of Ali Pasha, a powerful Albanian ruler. Angelis Govios became well-known for his bravery in the Battle of Gravia Inn.
Building a Strong Army in Vrysakia
In May 1821, Angelis Govios arrived in a place called Vrysakia. He quickly managed to set up a military camp there. He trained the men from Euboea, who were not experienced fighters, and turned them into brave soldiers.
They won their first big victory in the summer of 1821. This was against the well-organized army of Omer Vrioni. The battle happened near Psachna in Euboea. Omer Vrioni wanted to stop the revolution in Euboea. This would make it easier for his army to move supplies to Athens.
So, on July 15, Omer Vrioni went to Vrysakia. Govios and his 300 men were ready to fight. Govios's trusted friends, Kotsos and Balalas, took positions on a nearby hill. Govios was a very smart leader. His clever plans helped the Greeks win a great victory. They fought against Omer's much larger army for seven hours.
A few days later, Omer Vrioni's army returned. But Govios and his men had moved to a safer place. So, Omer's soldiers only burned the empty huts in Vrysakia. Then they went back to Chalkida. The fortress in Chalkida was very strong, so Omer soon decided to leave. Once the Ottoman forces left, Govios quickly returned and took back Vrysakia.
Govios's Last Stand: The Battle of Dyo Vouna
By early 1822, Angelis Govios was the main leader of the revolution in Euboea. He planned to trap the Ottoman soldiers in Chalkida. After that, he wanted to attack the town of Karystos.
Govios knew this would be difficult. He asked for help from other Greek fighters. These included soldiers from Olympos and other leaders, like his brother Anagnostis Govginas. They planned to meet in Vrysakia on the night of March 28.
However, about a thousand Ottoman soldiers found out about this meeting. They left Chalkida and took control of a place called Dyo Vouna. From there, some riders headed towards Vrysakia. When Govios saw the Ottoman movements, he decided to attack right away. He did not wait for morning.
As he chased the Ottoman group, he fell into a trap at Dyo Vouna. He and his men were completely surrounded. In the fierce fight that followed, Govios and his brother Anagnostis were killed. However, most of the Greek soldiers managed to escape. Angelis Govios's death was a big loss for the revolution in Euboea.
