The rebellion took place mainly in the area of Western Macedonia and it peaked with the capture of Mariovo and its proclamation as "Free Greece".

[2] At the end of April 1866, Leonidas Voulgaris disembarked on Ormylia in Chalkidiki, at the head of an armed force, and united with the local fighters under captain Georgios from the Mademochoria.

[3][4][5] In Western Macedonia and specifically in Monastir, which was the center of Greek culture in the area, operated a nationalist association called "Kazino", since 1852.

Revolutionary brewings started in 1866 because of the Cretan Revolution and various armed groups, under Greek Macedonian leaders, entered Macedonia from Greece in this period.

The outcome of the revolt was predetermined, as the rebels were isolated in Western Macedonia, surrounded by significant numbers of Ottoman troops.