Dimitrios Kallergis

Dimitrios Kallergis was a prominent figure in the early years of Greek independence. He participated in the Greek War of Independence as a fighter and a leader, and he was involved in several battles and campaigns against the Ottoman forces. He was captured and ransomed during the Battle of Phaleron in 1827. He later became a major general in the Hellenic Army and a politician. He was one of the main protagonists of the 3 September 1843 Revolution, which forced King Otto I to dismiss his Bavarian administration and to adopt a new, more liberal constitution. He also served as the minister of military affairs in the cabinet of Alexandros Mavrokordatos in 1854-1855. He was exiled twice for his opposition to the king's policies, and he returned to Greece after the fall of Otto in 1862. He took part in the negotiations that led to the accession of Prince William of Denmark to the Greek throne in 1863. He died in Athens in 1867, and he was buried in the First Cemetery of Athens. He is regarded as one of the heroes of the Greek Revolution and a pioneer of democracy in Greece.