The rebellion was a reaction to the imposition of Nicaean rule in the person of governor Constantine Chabaron.
In the autumn of 1257, Akropolites left Thessaloniki and by way of Kastoria entered Kounavia, Mat and Debar in an effort to convince the local chieftains to abandon the Despot of Epirus, Michael II, and submit to imperial rule.
Taking advantage of the situation, Michael II started his campaign against the Nicaeans and captured Chabaron in Kanina.
The revolt was suppressed after troops from Asia Minor were sent in the spring of 1259, headed by John Komnenos.
After suffering heavy losses, the Byzantines were finally able to control the situation, but in the years 1260–1270 the Albanian rulers revolted again in the region of Durrës.