Since the 14th century the Castle was a multi-ethnic community. Greeks, Turks, and Jews inhabited the town within its walls in general peace. This coexistence ended abruptly. Dionysios Skylosophos (the Dog-Philosopher) was a philosopher, doctor, and philologist who had studied in Italy and Constantinople before being elected metropolitan bishop of Larissa and Trikke. On the night of 10-11 September 1611 he invaded Ioannina with a peasant army in the hope of liberating his homeland. His rebellion failed and he died after being tortured by the Turks. The Christians of Ioannina lost their privileges and were evicted from the Castle. From now on they would reside outside its walls.