MAIDIOCORDA.TOS, also MAVROCARDATO, a Fanariote family, distinguished for ability and political influence, and descended from merchants of Chios of the Genoese family of Scarlati.—ALEXANDEE M. was professor of medicine and philosophy in Padua, and became dragoman or interpreter to the porte in 1681, in which capacity he did much to promote the interests of his countrymen. In 1699, he displayed great diplomatic talents as plenipotentiary of the porte in the negotiations for peace at Carlovicz.—His son, NICOLAS, was the first Greek who was hospodar of Moldavia and Wallachia.— 'CONSTANTINE, brother of Nicolas, who became hospodar of Wallachia in 1735, abolished slavery in that country, and introduced the culture of maize.—His grandson, ALEX ANDER, Prince M., b. at Constantinople in 1787, took an active part in the Greek contest for independence, prepared the declaration of independence and the plan of a pro visional government, was elected president of the executive body; and being appointed ,commander-in-chief, undertook, in 1822, an expedition to Epirus, which ended in the unsuccessful battle of Peta; but be delivered the Peloponnesus by his bold and resolute -defense of Missolonghi (1823). Notwithstanding the opposition of the party of Colo
.-cotronis and Dimitrios Ypsilanti, he was able afterward to render important services to his country—as, for instance, by the heroic defense of Navarino and Sphacteria; but :became very much involved in political strife. He was a steadfast admirer of English ;policy and institutions, and a fierce opponent of the pro-Russian government of Capo D'Istrias. After the accession of king Otho, he was at different times a eabinet minister =and ambassador at different courts. The leading feature of his policy—viz., his endeavor 'to promote British influence--made him at times very unpopular among his country -men. Yet, at the outbreak of the 'Crimean war, it was found necessary to place him -once more at the head of the government—a dignity, however, which he soon resigned; but he continued to interest himself in the cause of education, and as late as 1861 held the office of minister of public instruction. He died August, 1865.