An original research on the history of the fighters of Alexandros Ypsilantis, who survived the deadly conflicts of the Revolution of 1821 in Moldavia. Many of them sought refuge in Russian Odessa and from there began the dramatic journey back to Greece.

Their ultimate destination was Marseille, where they would board ships for the Aegean. Their journey was difficult. Fugitives, ragged and hungry, they traversed Eastern and Central Europe exposed to the harsh winter, resulting in many losing their lives.

They passed through Russia, Poland, and Germany, and arrived in Switzerland, where the policies of the Great Powers held them for months, while France closed its borders to them. The Swiss, organized in over 100 philhellenic associations, hosted them in various cantons, where they found heartfelt support from citizens, the church, and the press.

They provided food, clothing, and medical care. Philhellenes described in writings and publications of the time the daily life of the guests. In their testimonies, which are presented here in translation, they record various stories and names of refugees, as well as their struggle for freedom.

Eventually, France relented, and after 3,000 km of travel, the Greeks arrived in Marseille in 1823. Boarding three ships, 158 of them returned to their homeland. The dream becomes reality...