YPSILANTI, a Fanariot family, which falsely pretends to be descended from the im perial stock of the Comneni, has furnished various champions of the Christian population under Turkish rule. The first of these, PRDICE CONSTANTINE YPSILANTI, was born in 1760 at Constantinople, and for his translation of the works of Vauban, was raised to high official rank by sultan Selim III., and was subsequently appointed hospodar of Moldavia in 1799, and of Walachia in 1802. his administration of the government of these provinces was marked by wisdom and energy; but his ill-concealed sympathies with Russia led (1806) to his dismissal and flight to Transylvania. Re-established in the government of Walachia by the Russians, lie showed his hatred for the Porte by inciting (1807) the Servians to insurrection; but finding soon after that his allies the. Russians had views and aims quite inconsistent with his, and unable to strive with both Russians and Turks, he took the oath of allegiance to the czar, and retired to Kiev, where he died July 28, 1816. He has left numerous works, composed in Italian, French, and Turkish.
His three sous, Alexander, Demetrius, and Nicolas, followed up the same course of policy. The eldest, AtExAxnuu, born in 1783, served for some time in the Russian army, and was chosen by the " Hetairists" as their chief in 1820. In promotion of the cause of Routnan independence, he collected a large sum by subscription in Russia, and afterward invading Moldavia, succeeded in raising an insurrection in both principalities.
But, little suited by natural gifts to guide the movement he had originated, he was attacked by the Turks near Galatz, totally defeated, and forced to take refuge in Aus tria, where lie was arrested and imprisoned. Released after a time, but broken in spirit, by chagrin and privations, he retired to Vienna, where he died Jau. 31. 1828.—His younger brother, DEMETRIUS, who was born Dec. 25, 1793, also commenced his career in the Russian army, and joined his brother in his schemes for emancipating from servi tude the Christian population of Turkey. Sent to Greece, armed with powers from his brother, he took a glorious part in the capture of Tripolitza (Oct., 1820), but was less suc cessful in the following year in his attack on Eubma. His gallant defense of Argos against the Turks, stopped the victorious march of the latter, and gained (1823) for him the honorary titles of president of Argos, prince of the Peloponnesus, president of the legislative council, and senator. His stubborn resistance (1825)to the victorious Ibrahim at Napoli was another valuable service to Greece. In 1827, the grateful Helleries made him commander-in-chief of their forces; but some difference arising between him and the president, Capo d'Istria. he resigned his post in Jan., 1S30. He died at Napoli di Romania, Aug. 16, 1832. Ypsilanti was insignificant in appearance, but had the soul of a hero; and was as deaf to the allurements of pleasure as to the promptings of ambition.