2 Euro Proof

The Greek Revolution was an uprising against the rule of the Ottoman Empire, to which the Greek-inhabited territories had belonged for several centuries. It was preceded by the spread of Enlightenment and nationalist ideas, economic changes, and the activities of secret societies. These included Filiki Eteria, founded in 1814, which prepared a coordinated uprising.

In 1821, uprisings initially began in the Danubian Principalities and shortly afterwards in the Peloponnese and other regions. The national holiday observed in Greece today on 25 March links the memory of the uprising with the religious Feast of the Annunciation. However, it does not mark the sole, historically unambiguous beginning of the fighting, as revolutionary actions began in several places and at different times.

The War of Independence lasted for years and was marked by sieges, massacres, flight, and destruction. The insurgents established provisional political institutions and adopted constitutions, but were also weakened by internal power struggles. The Ottoman Empire received military support from Egypt. In Europe, reports about the war encouraged Philhellenism, a movement in support of the Greek cause.

Great Britain, France, and Russia eventually intervened diplomatically and militarily. In 1827, their fleets destroyed an Ottoman-Egyptian fleet in the Battle of Navarino. In 1830, Greece was internationally recognised as an independent state; a few years later, a kingdom was established under Otto von Bayern. Its territory at the time was smaller than that of present-day Greece and was expanded only later.

The anniversary was chosen for a commemorative coin because the Revolution is remembered as the founding event of the modern Greek state. The bicentennial celebrations therefore referred not only to the war, but also to the creation of state institutions and a modern national identity.