[1] In 1448 troops under the command of Demetrio Reres and his two sons George and Basil went from Albania to the rural areas of the Kingdom of Naples to suppress a rebellion against Alfonso V.[5] Many of the soldiers had requested to be allowed to settle in the area to avoid struggling against Ottomans in Albania.
Alfonso V readily gave his approval to the loyal protectors of his rule so they formed the first Arbëresh settlements in the area.
[3][7] After the campaign Reres was awarded by Alfonso with the governorship of Reggio province in Calabria.
[1] In some historical works these Albanian-populated regions governed by Reres and his two sons were referred to as military colonies.
[9] Andrea Reres, a descendant of Demetrio, founded the Basilian Monastery in Mezzojuso with the provision that the Greek rite would be used.