The town of Mesologgi is the capital of Aetolia-Acarnania regional unit an it is known as the site of a dramatic siege during the Greek War of Independence, and of the death of poet Lord Byron. The town is located between the Acheloos and the Evinos rivers and has a port on the Gulf of Patras. It trades in fish, wine, and tobacco. Summers are long, hot and humid, with temperatures often surpassing 40°C and remaining above 25°C even at night. Winters are short and mild with frequent rainfalls. Mesologgi was first mentioned by a Venetian called Paruta when he was describing the naval Battle of Lepanto near Nafpaktos. According to predominant historical opinion, its name came from the combination of two Italian words, mezzo and laghi which means "in the middle of lakes" or messo and laghi (Messolaghi) which means "a place surrounded by lakes".