First National Assembly at Epidaurus adopts the Greek Constitution of 1822

Background. The First National Assembly of Epidaurus was the first meeting of the Greek National Assembly, a political gathering of revolutionaries. It opened in December 1821 at Piada, today known as Nea Epidavros. The assembly consisted almost exclusively of Peloponnesian notables. This gathering aimed to establish a provisional regime and define the structure of the nascent Greek state, moving beyond the legacy of the Filiki Etairia.

Constitutional Adoption. The assembly adopted the Provisional Regime of Greece, commonly known as the Greek Constitution of 1822, on 1 January 1822. This document included a Declaration of Independence. The adoption date is explicitly stated in historical records. The assembly subsequently elected a five-member executive on 15 January 1822, presided over by Alexandros Mavrokordatos, to implement the new constitutional framework.

Flag Design. The First National Assembly officially adopted the design of the modern Greek flag on 13 January 1822. This decision was part of the assembly's effort to portray Greece as a conventional nation-state. The specific pattern for the naval ensign, including nine alternate-colored stripes and a white cross on a blue field, was later laid down by Decree Nr. 540 on 15 March 1822.