While Ioannis Metaxas is largely remembered for being the ‘Archigos’ (the ‘Leader’) of the 4th of August regime, his private life was much more complex than his public image suggested. Here are 17 intriguing and lesser-known aspects about the personal life, youth, family, and habits of Ioannis Metaxas:

 

1. Family Background and Aristocratic Origins

Metaxas was born on the island of Ithaca on April 12, 1871, into an aristocratic family with ties to the island’s nobility. He spent his childhood and early youth in the neighboring island of Cephalonia and his family belonged to the local elite class of the Ionian Islands, which were under British protection until 1864, and this aristocratic background shaped his rigid, hierarchical worldview. The Metaxas family had a long tradition of military service, which further contributed to Ioannis’ early fascination with military life.

2. Reserved and Introverted Personality

As a young man, Metaxas was known to be introverted and studious. He was a man of few words, often preferring solitude and reading over social engagements. Unlike many other politicians of his time, he did not enjoy public life or the limelight, which contributed to his later reliance on propaganda and strict censorship to maintain control over the narrative of his regime. His introversion also fueled his deep dedication to planning and strategy, both in military and political affairs.

3. Distinguished Military Education in Germany

Metaxas was a highly trained military officer who studied in Germany, attending the Berlin Military Academy. He was deeply influenced by German military thought and tactics, which shaped his career and contributed to his rise as a prominent figure in Greece’s military and political sphere. His admiration for Prussian discipline and efficiency would later influence his governance style.

4. Passion for Greek Values

Metaxas had a deep admiration for Ancient Greece and the Byzantine Empire, which influenced both his personal philosophy and his political regime. He believed in the revival of classical Greek virtues such as sense of justice, selfless courage and wisdom, but also in restoring medieval Greek (Byzantine) virtues such as military discipline, Christian moral purity, and loyalty to the State. This admiration was evident in his speeches and writings, where he often invoked Greece’s ancient and medieval glories. His political regime embraced elements of Hellenic culture as a cornerstone of national identity, trying to connect the modern Greek state to the ideals of ancient Greece and the medieval Greek empire of Byzantium.

5. Loving Husband and Devoted Father

Despite his stern public persona, Metaxas had a softer side in his personal life. He was married to Lela Hatzioannou, with whom he had two daughters, Loukia and Nana. By all accounts, Metaxas was a devoted family man, showing affection and concern for his daughters. His personal letters to his family reveal a caring and protective father who, despite his often harsh image, took great pride in his role as a family man.

6. Personal Diary: An Introspective Record

Metaxas maintained a personal diary throughout his life, in which he documented his thoughts, personal reflections, and political strategies. This diary provides deep insight into his character, revealing his introspective and philosophical side. It also sheds light on his internal conflicts, especially regarding his role as an authoritarian leader and his concerns about Greece’s future. His writings reveal a man who was often burdened by the weight of his decisions and responsibilities, but also the brilliance of his mind.

7. Appreciation for Music and Classical Arts

In his private life, Metaxas enjoyed music, particularly classical music, and appreciated the arts. His intellectual pursuits were not limited to military and political matters; he had a broader cultural interest that aligned with his admiration for classical Greek civilization. While not publicly involved in the arts, he privately supported efforts to preserve and promote Greek culture, both ancient and contemporary.

8. Unconventional Eating Habits

Metaxas was known for having relatively simple and traditional tastes when it came to food. He preferred modest meals, often consisting of traditional Greek dishes. Unlike many other leaders who indulged in lavish feasts, Metaxas’ eating habits reflected his overall disciplined and frugal nature. He avoided extravagance, which aligned with the values of self-restraint and austerity that he championed in his personal life and governance.

9. Polyglot: Fluent in Several Languages

Metaxas was fluent in several languages, including German, French, and English, in addition to his native Greek. His proficiency in German was particularly strong due to his military education in Germany, but he also developed a good command of French and English, which helped him navigate international diplomacy during his time in power. This linguistic ability gave him a broader understanding of foreign military and political ideas, which influenced his thinking.

10. Introverted Leadership Style: A Non-Charismatic Dictator

Unlike many other dictators of the 20th century, such as Mussolini or Hitler, who relied on grand public speeches and charismatic presence, Metaxas was more reserved and private. He rarely made emotional or dramatic speeches, preferring more formal, technical addresses to the public. His leadership style was pragmatic and paternalistic rather than flamboyant, focusing on control and order rather than mass public mobilization through personal charisma.

11. The Meticulous Note-Taker

Throughout his life, Metaxas was known to be an obsessive note-taker. He meticulously documented his thoughts, plans, and observations, not just in his personal diary but also in his political and military correspondence. His methodical approach extended to his everyday life, where he kept detailed records of his meetings, decisions, and interactions. This habit of taking notes highlights his highly organized nature and his tendency to reflect deeply on his actions and policies.

12. Passionate About Military Engineering

Metaxas had a particular interest in military engineering and fortifications. His technical background and studies in Germany made him an expert in this field, and he personally oversaw the construction of the Metaxas Line, a series of defensive fortifications along Greece’s northern borders. The Metaxas Line was inspired by the French Maginot Line, and although it was never fully completed, it played a significant role in delaying the Nazi advance during World War II.

13. Avid Reader of History and Philosophy

In addition to his passion for military theory, Metaxas was an avid reader of history and philosophy. His favorite readings included works by Plato, Aristotle, and Thucydides, the latter of whom had a profound influence on his view of politics and warfare. Metaxas believed in the importance of learning from past civilizations, particularly Ancient Greece, and his reading often focused on the cyclical nature of history, the rise and fall of states, and the moral responsibilities of leaders.

14. Fear of Bolshevism: Anti-Communist to the Core

Metaxas was intensely anti-communist and saw the rise of Bolshevism as one of the greatest threats to Greece and Europe. His fear of communism was deeply rooted in his early career when he witnessed the political instability caused by radical movements in post-World War I Europe. His regime’s suppression of communist movements was brutal, and he often used the threat of communism as a justification for his authoritarian policies. The Metaxas regime’s propaganda also painted communists as enemies of the Greek state and culture.

15. His Religious Conservatism

Although Metaxas was not a devout Greek Orthodox Christian and was not overtly religious in his personal life, he viewed Christianity as a fundamental pillar of Greek identity. His regime promoted Orthodox Christianity as part of its cultural nationalism, seeing it as a unifying force for the nation. His regime worked closely with the Orthodox Church, promoting conservative values and traditions, which were intertwined with his vision of a disciplined, orderly society. He personally upheld conservative moral values and discouraged modern influences that he believed threatened Greek traditionalism.

16. Habitual Early Riser

Metaxas was known to be an early riser, often waking up at dawn to start his day. He believed in maintaining a strict routine, reflecting his disciplined military background. His mornings were typically spent reading reports, preparing for meetings, and engaging in personal reflection or strategic planning. This disciplined lifestyle was part of his broader belief in self-control and efficiency, values he tried to instill in the Greek people through his regime’s propaganda and policies.

17. A Man of Routine and Habit

Metaxas was extremely methodical in his daily life, adhering to strict routines that mirrored his military training. He liked to follow the same schedule each day, from the time he woke up to his evening activities, focusing on work-related tasks even during his personal time. This habit of routine extended to his meals, leisure time, and even his interactions with family, reflecting his belief in discipline as the core of personal and national success. As a man who knew who would not last for many years because of his age and health, he was a work-intensive leader who worked around the clock.

 

 

– Andreas Markessinis