[1] He was born in Preveza and belonged to the historical family of the Grivai, for which there are references as early as 300 years before the revolution (around 1500) and which was a branch of the Albanian Bua tribe.

In 1836 he suppressed the rebellion of Central Greece against Othon, while in 1847 he himself organized a revolution with the aim of voting against the government of Alexandros Mavrokordatos.

Unruly and unrestrained by nature, Grivas got involved in political disputes and his action, characterized by exaggeration and fanaticism, was also associated with some brutalities, not a few.

Rumors circulating at the time stated that he was marching against Athens at the head of a military corps, in order to seize power.

According to Kordatos, Grivas allayed the anxiety of the English, because they were informed that he would overthrow the monarchy and be proclaimed President of the Republic.