The Orsini family, a Sicilian branch of the family of the counts palatines of Rome, had not only ruled the Ionian Islands, but also conquered Epirus in early fourteenth century, thus acquiring the title of the despot as well.

Certain members of the family had embraced the Orthodox dogma and married Greek women.

After the death of John II Orsini in 1335, the islands had been occupied by the Angevins, who as rulers of Achaea had the islands under their suzerainty until then.

The Angevin occupation lasts until 1357, when the said Greek territory is ceded to the Italian family of the Tocchi, who will remain in power for over a century and secure unity in the governance of the islands of Cephalonia, Zakynthos and Leukas.