After the establishment of Greek independence he reached the rank of general in the Hellenic Army.

Zervas was born in Souli, Epirus, then Ottoman Empire, and became one of the leaders of the Souliotes.

Zervas participated in the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830) and distinguished at the Battle of Phaleron (April 1827).

[1] At March 1828, together with another revolutionary leader, Dimos Tselios, managed to push back an advancing Ottoman (Turkish-Albanian) force at Menidi, Attica.

The revolt aimed at the union of Epirus with the Kingdom of Greece, but failed.