Κonstantinos Gerakis

1647-1688

The life of Konstantinos Gerakis looks like a fable and is typical for a genuine adventurer from Kefalonia. Konstantinos Gerakis was born in Kefalonia in 1647. From a very early age, having difficulty in standing the short boundaries of the island he goes to sea as a deck-boy in an English merchant navy. Young Konstantinos easily learns everything about the profession of the seaman but this does not seem to be enough to him. In 1669 he finds himself working in Indonesia on behalf of the notorious English Company of the Eastern Indies, the «dig» of the imperialist expansion of Great Britain in Asia. Gerakis, bright as he is, learns the local languages of the wider area and develops good relationships with important local personalities. Ηe makes his mark by the name Konstanzo Falcone. In 1975 the needs of his company bring him to Siam where he creates bounds with the royal court. In 1679 Konstantinos Gerakis becomes delegate of commercial relationships and official interpreter in the royal court of Siam, Narae. In1683 the King assigns him Prime Minister. In this authority he acquired important power and fortune.

In terms of the international competition for the control of commerce he supports the French interests as it appears that he squabbled with the English. For this reason he was honoured by the French King with the title of the Knight. He also plays a leading part in movements for the spreading of Christianism to the Siamese. The conflict of the Great Powers for the commercial control of the area has as a result the landing of the French army to Siam. The bad behaviour of the French to the locals made the anti-royal party see an enemy on the face of Gerakis. In 1688 the king- patron of Gerakis becomes very ill and the opposition parties get the chance to arrest the intelligent Kefalinian. After they tortured him, they beheaded him on the 5th of June. A few days after the King died as well. He was just 41 years old. New King on the throne of Siam was assigned King Feratsa who interrupted any kind of affair with foreigners.

ΚONSTANTINOS GERAKIS