In this article the author draws a biographical outline about Rigas
Velestinlis (1757-1798), who was percursor and protomarthyr of the Greek
independence. After reconstituing his early years (childhood and early youth)
-- about which there are very few pieces of trustable information --, Professor
Castillo Didier follows the precursor's life in Constantinople and in the
Danuvian princedoms. After that, the first Rigas' publications are presented,
to finally focus on his many activities in Vienna between August 1797 and
December 1798. Those activities were mainly as writer, publisher and
propagandist of revolutionary ideas, as well as creator of a concrete plan of
insurrection against the Ottoman tyranny. It is difficult to attach greater
importance to sorne aspects of Rigas' action and writings than others.
The THURIOS, HUMAN RIGHTS, THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC CONSTITUTION: all of them are considered as extraordinary works for their time, even for ours. It is remarkable their deep sense of humanism and of brotherhood between the Balkan peoples, a high teaching vocation, a complete and sincere will of freedom.
Finally, the works tells about the treason and imprisonment against
Rigas and his seven comrades, and how they were given up by the Austrian
absolutism to the Ottoman tyranny.
Castillo Didier, M. (2015). Homenaje a Rigas Velestintís (1757-1798) Precursor de la Independencia de Grecia, humanista, héroe y mártir. Byzantion Nea Hellás, (17-18), Pág. 207–243. Recuperado a partir de https://byzantion.uchile.cl/index.php/RBNH/article/view/37970
