Local leaders were always crucial in any battle during the Greek War of Independence because they were familiar with the regional conditions and commanded the respect of the men. In the case of Mavrokordatos’ campaign, the man of the hour was Gogos Bakolas, who had served the revolution well in the summer of 1821, when he successfully prevented the Ottoman army from advancing south. On 4 July 1822, as the Greek army took up positions in the hills before and behind the village of Peta, Bakolas’ men were stationed on a hill to the extreme right of the Greek position. From there they were able to see the Ottoman army that was advancing against them from the plain of Arta.