Theodoros Grivas

Theodoros Grivas (1797–1862), also known as Theodorakis Grivas, was a Greek general and politician from the influential Grivai family of Preveza. His family traced back to the 16th century and was part of the Albanian Bua tribe. Born into a military lineage, his father was poisoned by Ali Pasha for refusing to betray his village. Grivas fought in the Greek War of Independence (1821) with his own corps. He later suppressed rebellions against King Otto in 1836 and led his own revolt against Alexandros Mavrokordatos's government in 1847.

During the Crimean War, he invaded Epirus. His most notable action was rebelling against King Otto in October 1862 by capturing Vonitsa, where he formed a government and marched toward Athens to seize power. Envoys offered him 40,000 drachmas and a promotion to marshal; Grivas accepted the money but refused the rank until his deathbed. He died on October 24, 1862, with rumors suggesting he was poisoned by British agents.

Grivas's son was Dimitrios Grivas. His military and political career was marked by significant events, including capturing Teke Castle and Missolonghi. His actions were often described as fanatical and brutal, leading to his eventual downfall.