Chapter 386 The Pieces are Moving

Chapter 386 The Pieces are Moving

September 8th, 1821.

The Port of Piraeus, a key maritime hub in Greece, has a history that dates back to ancient times. Situated near Athens, it has been an important port since the 5th century BC. Throughout history, it has served as a vital gateway for commerce and communication between Greece and the wider Mediterranean world.

During the classical period, the Port of Piraeus was developed and fortified by the Athenians, becoming one of the most important ports in the ancient Greek world. Its three harbors – the Great Harbor (Megalo Limani), the Zea Harbor (Pasalimani), and the Munich Harbor (Mikrolimano) – were bustling with activity, including trade, shipbuilding, and naval operations.

The port played a significant role in the Athenian Empire, serving as the base for its powerful navy. Its famous Long Walls, built in the 5th century BC, connected Athens to Piraeus, ensuring safe passage between the city and its port, which was crucial for maintaining Athens' maritime dominance.

Over the centuries, Piraeus experienced periods of decline and resurgence. It faced destruction during various conflicts, including the Greco-Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, and experienced rebuilding and flourishing periods during times of peace.

By the 19th century, when Greece was fighting for its independence from the Ottoman Empire, Piraeus regained its importance as a maritime hub. The Greek War of Independence saw the port becoming a focal point for naval operations and trade, contributing significantly to the economic and military efforts of the Greek revolutionaries.

In short, it was where the weapons and supplies from the French Empire were being shipped.

At the port, French merchant ships, Victoire, are unloading the metal containers using a system of cranes and pulleys that is built into the ship.

As the unloading continues, a group of Greek commanders arrives at the port to oversee the distribution of the supplies. They are greeted by the French captain of the Victoire, who hands over the necessary documents detailing the cargo. The commanders quickly review the contents, focusing on ensuring that everything listed has been delivered.

He was given a wake-up call when the Republic of France defeated the Ottoman in Northern Africa and the Middle East, losing a chunk of land to the man who is currently the Emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte.

He can't accept that the Ottoman Empire, once a respected and feared state of the West, is becoming a shadow of its former glory. If he can't quell the rebellion in Greece, many states would follow and rise up against their rule. That is something he can't let happen.

The only way we can quell this rebellion is to cut off the shipping route that supplies the Greek revolutionaries," one of the military advisors suggested during the meeting. "If we can disrupt the supply lines, particularly those from France, it could significantly weaken the revolutionary forces."

Another advisor, contemplating the suggestion, took a moment, and then spoke.

"That would mean deploying our navy in a more aggressive stance in the Aegean Sea. Cutting off would mean sinking the ship, and it's not just any other ship, it's a French ship. If we sink it down, that would mean a direct confrontation with France," the advisor pointed out, highlighting the potential risks of such a move.

"Not when they find out who is sinking them," the advisor countered. "Sultan, we have submarines given to us by the Russian Empire. It's the best there is. We can use it to stealthily disrupt the supply routes. The French won't be able to directly trace it back to us. According to our information, those ships aren't escorted by a warship."

Mahmud II considered the proposal. "Well, if the French are supplying the Greeks, that means they are helping the Greeks, and also means they are acting against the interest of the Ottoman Empire. We must protect our sovereignty. Use the submarines. If the French Empire were to trace it back to us, I would be the one talking to them. I'm sure, they'll understand if they remain diplomatic."

"We will deploy the submarines right away," one of the military commanders affirmed with determination.

The advisors bowed and quickly left the chamber to initiate the covert operation.

Sultan Mahmud II leaned back in his chair and heaved a sigh.