Klephts

Quick Facts: Who was Klephts?

Subject:

Klephts

Known for:

Anti-Ottoman highwaymen, insurgents, and warlike mountain-folk of Greece.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Klephts (; Greek κλέφτης, kléftis, pl. κλέφτες, kléftes, which means "thieves" and perhaps originally meant just "brigand") were highwaymen turned self-appointed armatoloi, anti-Ottoman insurgents, and warlike mountain-folk who lived in the countryside when Greece was a part of the Ottoman Empire. They were the descendants of Greeks who retreated into the mountains during the 15th century in order to avoid Ottoman rule. Klepht bands also included many ethnic Albanians. They carried on a continuous war against Ottoman rule and remained active as brigands until the 19th century.

Career & Major Achievements

The terms kleptomania and kleptocracy are derived from the same Greek root, κλέπτειν (kléptein), "to steal". After the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 and then the fall of Mistra in the Despotate of the Morea, most of the plains of present-day Greece fell entirely into the hands of the Ottoman Empire. The only territories that did not fall under Ottoman rule were the mountain ranges (populated by Greeks and inaccessible to the Ottoman Turks), as well as a handful of islands and coastal possessions under the control of Venice. This situation lasted until 1821. However, later acquired territories of Greece – including Macedonia, Western Thrace and Epirus – were in Turkish hands until the 20th century.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This period of time in Greece is known as the Turkocracy. Ottoman lands were divided up into pashaliks, also called eyalets; in the case of the lands that form present-day Greece, these were Morea and Roumelia. Pashaliks were further sub-divided into sanjaks which were often divided into feudal chifliks (Turkish çiftlik (farm), Greek τσιφλίκι tsifliki). Any surviving Greek troops, whether regular Byzantine forces, local militia, or mercenaries had either to join the Ottoman army as janissaries, serve in the private army of a local Ottoman notable, or fend for themselves. Many Greeks wishing to preserve their Greek identity, Orthodox Christian religion, and independence chose the difficult but liberated life of a bandit.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1453: 1453 Milestone — After the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 and then the fall of Mistra in the Despotate of the Morea, most of the plains of present-day Greece fell entirely into the hands of the Ottoman Empire.

Notable Quotes by Klephts

“Yannis Makriyannis referred to the "klephtes and armatoloi" as the "yeast of liberty".”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Klephts

True or False: “The Klephts were solely motivated by a deep-seated nationalistic desire for Greek independence.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Historical accounts suggest that many klephtic actions were primarily driven by economic interests, such as fleeing taxes or engaging in raiding.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Aleksey Pisemsky — Historical peer (Born in 1821) (1821): A prominent Russian novelist and dramatist, contemporary to Turgenev and Dostoyevsky.
• Arthur Cayley — Historical peer (Born in 1821) (1821): Pioneering English mathematician, instrumental in founding modern algebra and group theory.

Frequently Asked Questions about Klephts