In 1807, Zakynthos was seized by the French aristocrats and in 1809 by the British, who placed the capital of the Ionian state at Zakynthos. During the British occupation, a great deal of assistance was afforded Greece, which had been in revolt since 1821, despite the opposition of the British. Zakynthos became a part of Greece with the other Ionian islands in 1864. Today, Zakynthos is a large touristic center due to its beautiful capital together with its excellent beaches and its unique flora and fauna.