In late summer, or early fall 1292, the Byzantine emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos decided that it was time to bring to heel the rebel ruler of the Despotate of Epiros. According to his plans, his army would attack Ioannina by land, while a naval force would conquer Arta. Unfortunately, Andronikos had dismantled the Byzantine navy a few years ago, so he had to hire Genoese ships. His marines landed in Preveza, where there was no permanent settlement, looted the surrounding countryside, and then moved on to Arta, where they failed to achieve their objective.