Principality of the Pindus facts for kids

The Principality of the Pindus is a name used to describe an idea for an independent area in the Pindus mountains. This area is in northern Greece. People tried to create this area in July and August of 1917, during World War I.

At that time, leaders from several Vlach villages in the Pindus mountains wanted to form an area that would be protected by Italy. Villages like Samarina, Avdella, and Metsovo were involved. However, this plan did not work out. No independent state or district was actually formed in 1917. The whole idea lasted only a few days.

One of the people who wanted to create a government for this area was a young man named Alcibiades Diamandi. He was an Aromanian and became important again 25 years later, between 1941 and 1943.

The name "Principality of the Pindus" was also used later for a similar idea. This idea was discussed by members of a group called the "Roman Legion" (1941-1943). The "Roman Legion" was a group of Vlachs who worked with the Italian army. The Italian army had occupied Greece during part of World War II. Alcibiades Diamandi started and led this "Roman Legion."

The Legion never actually declared any independent state. The group stopped existing after Italy gave up to the Allied forces in 1943.

Attempts to Create an Independent Area

The idea of the Principality of the Pindus came up twice. Both times, it involved the Vlach people living in the Pindus mountains. They hoped to create their own self-governing region.

First Attempt in 1917

The first attempt happened in 1917, during the end of World War I. Local leaders from Vlach villages sent a letter asking for an independent area. They wanted it to be a protectorate of Italy. This means Italy would protect the area, but it would govern itself.

The plan was very short-lived. It only lasted for a few days. No actual principality or state was ever formed. The idea quickly faded away.

Second Attempt During World War II

The name "Principality of the Pindus" was used again during World War II. This was between 1941 and 1943. At this time, Italy had taken control of parts of Greece.

A group called the "Roman Legion" was formed. This group was made up of Vlachs and worked with the Italian army. Alcibiades Diamandi was the leader of this group. The "Roman Legion" also had ideas about creating an independent Vlach area. However, they never officially declared any state.

The "Roman Legion" stopped existing in 1943. This happened when Italy surrendered to the Allied forces.

Key People Involved

The most important person connected to the idea of the Principality of the Pindus was Alcibiades Diamandi.

Alcibiades Diamandi's Role

Alcibiades Diamandi was an Aromanian man. He was involved in the first attempt to create an independent area in 1917. He was part of the temporary committee that wanted to form a government.

Years later, during World War II, he became even more important. He created and led the "Roman Legion." This group worked with the Italian army in Greece. Diamandi and the "Roman Legion" continued to discuss the idea of an independent Vlach area.

However, after Italy surrendered in 1943, the "Roman Legion" ended.

Images for kids

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  "Terra Vlachorum", the 1919 request for an Aromanian state at the Paris Peace Conference

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  Map of Axis-occupied Greece with the proposed state of the Principality of the Pindus highlighted in yellow