Evangelos Zappas

Evangelos Zappas, born on August 23, 1800, was a prominent Greek entrepreneur, physician, and philanthropist. He is celebrated as one of the key figures in the revival of the modern Olympic Games, which took place in the years 1859, 1870, 1875, and 1888. These early Olympic events, known simply as the Olympics (Greek: Ολύμπια), laid the groundwork for the later games organized under the International Olympic Committee.

During his youth, Zappas played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence from 1821 to 1832, achieving the rank of Major and participating in several crucial battles. After Greece gained independence, he relocated to Wallachia, where he established a successful business career, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in Eastern Europe at that time.

Zappas's philanthropic efforts were extensive, as he was the primary sponsor of the Olympic revival and contributed significantly to the establishment of various Greek institutions and schools. His generosity also extended to sports and exhibition facilities, and he played a vital role in funding the Romanian Academy, supporting academic projects such as a comprehensive history of the Romanians and the creation of a Romanian dictionary.

In addition to his contributions to education, Zappas funded a newspaper and published books in the Albanian language in Romania. His philanthropic activities were instrumental in fostering the national awakening of the Greeks, Romanians, and Albanians, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be recognized today.