Missolonghi was a major stronghold of the Greek rebels during the War of Independence in western Greece. As such, it attracted Lord Byron, the famous Romantic poet, who was keen to participate in the liberation struggle. Byron sailed from Kefalonia on December 28th, 1823. He was accompanied by his handsome page Lukas Chalandritsanos and the Newfoundland dog Lyon, as well as thousands of dollars destined to support the Greek fighters. Unfortunately, the Ottoman fleet was patrolling the approach to Missolonghi and Byron’s ship was almost captured in the process of landing its passengers west of the city. Lukas managed to escape overland but the rest of the party had to sail away.