In early 1829, Ioannis Kapodistrias, governor of Greece, worked to capture the forts of western Greece, in an effort to secure a better deal on the borders of the Greek state. In mid-March, the Greeks landed north of Karvasaras and cut off all communications with the Ottoman military stronghold of Arta. The regional Ottoman garrisons (1300 men) gathered in Karvasaras and waited for reinforcements. Lack of food and the news that the Greeks controlled all the passes made them seek terms with the revolutionary leaders. Georgios Varnakiotis, who had a good relationship with most leaders of the Ottoman garrison, convinced them to surrender on March 26th, thus liberating the town.