In April–August, Ypsilantis' forces were encircled and crushed by the Ottoman Army. According to one account, Aristia fought alongside the Sacred Band of Wallachia in their final stand at Drăgășani, before receiving sanctuary in the Austrian Empire. He eventually settled in the Papal States, where he reportedly continued his education and became familiar with Italian theater. Performing in charity shows for destitute children, in or around 1824 he met Louis Dupré, who drew his portrait. Also at Rome, Aristia met the Earl of Guilford, and later claimed to have received his quasi-parental protection. Meanwhile, Costache's actual father had enlisted to fight for the First Hellenic Republic, and was later killed at the Siege of Missolonghi.