The Septinsular Republic: The First Greek State in Revolutionary Europe

Abstract

The Greek-inhabited Ionian islands were key in Mediterranean trade. They came under Venetian rule at the end of the 14th century. The Ionians lived in a stratified society enjoying personal freedoms, brought together by their Orthodox religion. At the end of the 18th century, the Ionian islands were dragged into the complex political relations between the big countries in Europe and the Ottoman Empire. In June 1797, the islands were occupied by the French army, but soon after that, they came under Russo-Ottoman protection. A republic with a moderate constitution was established, which was later replaced by one after a Venetian model, retaining noble titles and privileges.