In the early 14th century, Serbs occupy the whole of Epirus, Thessaly and Macedonia. This fact encourages groups of Albanians, who begin a wild descent and colonize Epirus, chasing the locals. In 1367, the Serbian ruler hands Ioannina over to his brother in law, Thomas Preloumbo or Prelioubovich. In his time, major repairs are done to the Castle of Ioannina to deal with the Albanian attacks. The tower to the right of the main gate of the Castle is probably associated with his person, since the faded name “Thomas” can be distinguished on a brick inscription which is preserved above its arched opening. Another view suggests that the tower was built by Thomas Komnenos Doukas, a sovereign of the Despotate of Epirus, a few decades later.