Graitzas Palaiologos facts for kids
Konstantinos Graitzas Palaiologos (Greek: Κωνσταντίνος Γραίτζας Παλαιολόγος) was a brave commander from the Byzantine Empire. He led the Byzantine soldiers at Salmeniko Castle near Patras. This was during a very important time, when Sultan Mehmed II and his Ottoman Empire forces were taking over a part of the Byzantine Empire called the Despotate of Morea in 1460–1461.
Contents
A Brave Commander's Stand
Graitzas came from a less famous part of the Palaiologos family. But he showed much more courage than his distant relatives, the brothers Thomas Palaiologos and Demetrios Palaiologos, who were co-rulers.
What Happened to His Relatives?
Thomas Palaiologos chose to run away. He went to Modon, then Corfu, and finally became a refugee in Rome. His brother Demetrios simply gave up and surrendered to the Sultan.
Graitzas Holds the Castle
Meanwhile, Graitzas stayed strong and held his position at Salmeniko Castle. He kept fighting until July 1461. This was nearly eight years after the Fall of Constantinople, when the Ottoman Empire captured the Byzantine capital.
The Siege of Salmeniko Castle
Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror himself led the attack on Salmeniko. His best soldiers, called Janissaries, managed to take control of the town. They did this by cutting off its water supply.
The Town's Fate
About 6,000 people living in the town were sold into slavery. Around 900 children were taken to join the Devşirme, a system where they would be trained as Ottoman soldiers.
Graitzas Fights On
Graitzas and his soldiers continued to defend the castle's main fortress, known as the citadel. At first, Graitzas agreed to surrender the castle to Mehmed. In return, his troops would be allowed to leave safely and without harm.
A Broken Promise
However, after Mehmed left, two of his commanders ignored this promise. They arrested the first soldiers who left the citadel. Then, they started the siege again. By mid-July 1461, the Salmeniko citadel was completely alone and surrounded. It was the last place still fighting for the Roman Empire, and there was no hope of help.
The Daring Escape
Graitzas, showing great leadership, ordered his remaining troops to make a sudden attack and break through the enemy lines. They managed to escape the soldiers surrounding them. They found safety in the Venetian fortress of Lepanto, which is known today as Naupactus.
Life After the Empire
The Roman Empire that Graitzas had served no longer existed. So, Graitzas accepted a new role. He became a general in the army of the Republic of Venice.
