[5][6][7] A Hellenistic era garrison was built in Kardhiq as part of the fortification system of Chaonia, in the northwestern part of Epirus [8] In late 14th century and early 15th century, the Kardhiq Castle was built by the noble Albanian Zenebishi.

This rebellion was led by the chieftains of Kardhiq, Gjirokastër and Delvinë, and in October 1811, the rebels managed to inflict a heavy defeat on Ali's troops.

[11] In December 1811, the men of Kardhiq offered to surrender on the condition that they be allowed to emigrate to Corfu; Ali refused, and the siege continued.

Ali Pasha ordered the massacre due to a long-standing vendetta he had with the village; it was said that after his father had died whilst Ali was a child and his family's power subsequently diminished, the men of Kardhiq captured his mother, raped her and humiliated her by forcing her to walk through the streets with a man on her back.

From then onwards, the village would recover well, and the Albanian inhabitants of Kardhiq were primarily engaged in mercenary activities during that period.