Misplaced Pages

Albanian principalities: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 07:20, 18 October 2014 editAntidiskriminator (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Rollbackers58,480 edits Undid revision 630033043 by AceDouble (talk) - unsourced flag removed← Previous edit Latest revision as of 09:43, 8 November 2024 edit undoMonkbot (talk | contribs)Bots3,695,952 editsm Task 20: replace {lang-??} templates with {langx|??} ‹See Tfd› (Replaced 1);Tag: AWB 
(166 intermediate revisions by 61 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Former countries in Europe}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2012}}
{{mergeinto|Albania in the Middle Ages|date=May 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{History of Albania}} {{History of Albania}}
The term '''Albanian Principalities''' refers to a number of principalities created in the Middle Ages in ] and ] that were ruled by ]. The 12th century marked the first Albanian principality, the ], however it is in the 14th century and the beginning of the 15th century that these principalities became stronger, especially because of the fall of the Serbian Empire. Most of these principalities were united in 1444 under the military alliance called ]. The term '''Albanian Principalities''' refers to a number of ] (although they functioned more like a series of kingdoms) created in the ] in ] and the surrounding regions in the western ] that were ruled by ] ]. The 12th century marked the first Albanian principality, the ]. It was later, however, in the 2nd half of the 14th century that these principalities became stronger, especially with the fall of the ] after 1355. Some of these principalities were notably united in 1444 under the military alliance called ] up to 1480 which defeated the ] in more than 28 battles. They covered modern day ],western and central ], ], areas up to ], western ], southern ]. The leaders of these principalities were some of the most noted Balkan figures in the 14th and 15th centuries such as ], ], ], ], ], ] family, ], ], ], ] and ].


==List of Albanian principalities== ==List of Albanian principalities==
]
{|
⚫ * ]
|- bgcolor="#ececec"
! Nr !! Principality !! Emblem !! Years * ]
⚫ * ]
|-
* ]
⚫ |1 ||''']''' ||||'''1190–1255'''
* ]
|-
* ]
|2 ||''']''' ||]||'''1358–1374'''
* ]
|-
|3 ||''']''' || ||'''1332–1417''' * ]
* ]
|-
* ]
|4 ||''']''' ||]||'''1358–1416'''
⚫ * ]
|-
|5 ||''']''' || ||'''1386–1418''' * ]
* ]
|-
* ]
|6 ||''']'''||]||'''1444–1479'''
* ]
|-
|7 ||''']''' || ||'''1335–1444'''
|-
|8 ||''']''' ||]||'''1389–1444'''
|-
⚫ |9 ||''']''' ||||'''1387–1444'''
|-
|10 ||''']''' ||]||'''1368–1444'''
|}


==Principality of Arbanon== ==Principality of Arbanon==
{{main|Principality of Arbanon}} {{main article|Principality of Arbanon}}
]

The '''Principality of Arbanon''' (1190–1255) was the first Albanian state during the ]. The proclamation of the feudal state of ], in the north of Albania, with Kruja as the capital took place on 1190. As the founder of this state is known Progoni and later on Gjini and Dhimiter. Nderfandina is known as the most important center of this principality. For this was spoken clearly by the emblem of Arber found carved on a stone in the Catholic Church of Saint Maria. After the fall of ] the principality came under ] and ]. Finally the principality was dissolved on 1255. The best period of the principality was under ]. The '''Principality of Arbanon''' (1190–1255) was the first Albanian state during the ]. The proclamation of the feudal state of ], in the north of Albania, with ] as the capital took place in 1190. As the founder of this state is known Progoni and later on Gjini and Dhimiter. Nderfandina is known as the most important center of this principality. For this was spoken clearly by the emblem of Arbanon found carved on a stone in the Catholic Church of Saint Maria. After the fall of ] the principality came under ] and ]. Finally the principality was dissolved in 1255. The best period of the principality was under ].


==Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto== ==Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto==
{{main|Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto}} {{main article|Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto}}
'''Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto''' (1358–1374) was a ], ruled by Albanian chieftains of ]. It was created after the defeat of ] in 1358 and ceased to exist in 1374, when its despot, ], unified the territory with ].<ref name="ReferenceA">"History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science. ISBN 99927-1-623-1</ref><ref name="John V.A 1987">John V.A. Fine Jr., The Late Medieval Balkans, Ann Arbor, 1987.</ref><ref name="The 1991">The ], Oxford University Press, 1991.</ref> '''Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto''' (1358–1374) was a ], ruled by Albanian chieftains of ]. It was created after the defeat of ] in 1358 and ceased to exist in 1374, when its despot, ], unified the territory with ].<ref name="ReferenceA">"History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science. {{ISBN|99927-1-623-1}}</ref><ref name="John V.A 1987">John V.A. Fine Jr., The Late Medieval Balkans, Ann Arbor, 1987.</ref><ref name="The 1991">The ], Oxford University Press, 1991.</ref>


==Principality of Valona== ==Principality of Valona==
{{main|Principality of Valona}} {{main article|Principality of Valona}}
The '''Principality of Valona''' (1346–1417) was a medieval state roughly encompassing the territories of the modern Albanian counties of ] (Valona) and ]. Initially a vassal of the ], it became an independent lordship after 1355 until conquered by the ] in 1417. The '''Principality of Valona''' (1346–1417) was a medieval state roughly encompassing the territories of the modern Albanian counties of ] (Valona) and ]. Initially a vassal of the ], it became an independent lordship after 1355 until conquered by the ] in 1417. Between 1355 and 1417, there were Bulgarian rulers from Asen family and rulers from the ].

⚫ ==Principality of Dukagjini==
{{Main article|Principality of Dukagjini}}
The '''Principality of Dukagjini''' ({{langx|sq|Principata e Dukagjinit}}) refers to the domains of the ] ] in northern Albania and western Kosovo in the 14th century and 15th century. At their maximum extent, the domains of the Dukagjini extended from Upper ] in the northwest to the ] in western Kosovo.{{sfn|Trnavci|2010|p=207}} The political center of the Dukagjini family was ] until 1393 when it was surrendered to Venice in order to not fall under the Ottomans. The Ottoman ] was named after the rule of the family in the areas that formed it.{{sfn|Imber|2019|p=152}} The principality formally existed until 1479, but in 1444 it was united by ] with the other Albanian noble families.


==Despotate of Arta== ==Despotate of Arta==
{{main|Despotate of Arta}} {{main article|Despotate of Arta}}
'''Despotate of Arta''' (1358–1416) was a ], ruled by Albanian chieftains of ]. It was created after the defeat of ] in 1358 and ceased to exist in 1416.<ref name="ReferenceA" /><ref name="John V.A 1987" /><ref name="The 1991"/> After the death of Peter Losha in 1374, the Albanian despotates of Arta and Angelocastron were united under the rule of Despot Gjin Bua Shpata. The territory of this despotate was from the ] to ] in the North, neighboring with the ] of ], another state created in the area of the ]. The Despotate of Epirus managed to control in this period only the eastern part of ], with its capital in ]. '''Despotate of Arta''' (1355–1416) was a ], ruled by Albanian chieftains of ]. It was created after the defeat of ] in 1358 and ceased to exist in 1416.<ref name="ReferenceA" /><ref name="John V.A 1987" /><ref name="The 1991"/> After the death of Peter Losha in 1374, the Albanian despotates of Arta and Angelocastron were united under the rule of Despot Gjin Bua Shpata. The territory of this despotate was from the ] to ] in the North, neighbouring with the ] of ], another state created in the area of the ]. The Despotate of Epirus managed to control in this period only the eastern part of ], with its capital in ].
During this period the Despotate of Epirus was ruled by ], who was in an open conflict with Gjin Bue Shpata. In 1375, Gjin Bue Shpata started an offensive in ], but he couldn't invade the city. Although Shpata married with the sister of ], Helena their war did not stop. After the death of ] in 1399, the Despotate of Arta weakened continuously. Among the animosities with the rulers of ] Gjin’s successor, ], had to deal with the intentions of the ] and of ] ] of ]. In 1416 he defeated ] and conquered Arta, ending the Shpata dynasty. During this period the Despotate of Epirus was ruled by ], who was in an open conflict with Gjin Bua Shpata. In 1375, Gjin Bua Shpata started an offensive in ], but he couldn't invade the city. Although Shpata married with the sister of ], Helena their war did not stop. After the death of ] in 1399, the Despotate of Arta weakened continuously. Among the animosities with the rulers of ] Gjin's successor, ], had to deal with the intentions of the ] and of ] ] of ]. In 1416 he defeated ] and conquered Arta, ending the Shpata dynasty.


==Principality of Gjirokastër== ==Principality of Gjirokastër==
{{main|Principality of Gjirokastër}} ]
{{main article|Zenebishi family}}
⚫ '''Principality of Gjirokastër''' (1386–1418) was a principality created by ] in 1386 and abolished after the ] invasion in 1434. In 1380, John Zenevisi was appointed '']'' or prefect of Vagenetia near Delvina and in 1386 he became prince. In 1399 Esau, supported by some Albanian clans, marched against his wife's brother-in-law John Zenevisi of Argyrokastron. Now Esau was routed and captured, and much of his land was occupied by Zenevisi. Esau returned to Ioannina in 1400, regaining the reign from Zenebishi. Zenebishi was defeated by the Turks, he fled to the Venetian island of Corfu, but was called back two years later (1416) by an uprising of the mountain tribes. With the support of Venice, he again set his sights on Gjirokastra, but was chased away once more by the Turks and died in Corfu in 1418.


⚫ '''Principality of Gjirokastër''' (1373–1418) was a principality created by ] in 1386 and abolished after the ] invasion in 1434. In 1380, Gjon Zenebishi was appointed '']'' or prefect of ] near ] and in 1386 he became prince. In 1399 Esau, supported by some Albanian clans, marched against his wife's brother-in-law Gjon Zenebishi of Gjirokastër. Now Esau was routed and captured, and much of his land was occupied by Zenebishi. Esau returned to Ioannina in 1400, regaining the reign from Zenebishi. Zenebishi was defeated by the Turks, he fled to the Venetian island of ], but was called back two years later (1416) by an uprising of the mountain tribes. With the support of Venice, he again set his sights on Gjirokastra, but was chased away once more by the Turks and died in Corfu in 1418.
⚫ ==Muzaka Principality==
⚫ {{Main|Muzakaj Principality of Berat}}
'''Principality of Berat''' or '''Muzakaj Principality''' (1335–1444) was a principality created by ] ] in 1335, with its capital Berat. The principality was united with other Albanian principalities in the ] in 1444.<ref name="ReferenceB">History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science. ISBN 99927-1-623-1.</ref>


==Lordship of Berat==
⚫ ==Kastrioti Principality==
{{Main|Principality of Kastrioti}} {{Main article|Lordship of Berat}}
The ] was a principality ruled by the ] noble family. It's uncertain when the Muzaka family started to rule in central Albania, however, one of the first notable rulers is the ] ] who ruled over ]. In 1335 the principality became a ] and was significantly expanded during the rule of Andrea II. The Muzaka family continued to be a formidable and influential dynasty in central Albania until 1417 when it eventually fell under the ].

==Principality of Kastrioti==
{{Main article|Principality of Kastrioti}}
'''Principality of Kastrioti''' (1389–1444) was one of the most important principalities in Medieval Albania. It was created by ] and then ruled by the national hero of Albania, ]. '''Principality of Kastrioti''' (1389–1444) was one of the most important principalities in Medieval Albania. It was created by ] and then ruled by the national hero of Albania, ].
] had originally only two small villages, which probably emblem of the eagle family with a black two-headed, even if it can provide different interpretations. In short time John Kastrioti managed to expand its lands so as to become the undisputed lord of Central Albania. ] had originally only two small villages, which probably emblem of the eagle family with a black two-headed, even if it can provide different interpretations. In short time Gjon Kastrioti managed to expand its lands so as to become the undisputed lord of Central Albania.
Gjon Kastrioti was among those who opposed<ref name="Tennent1845">], 1845, ''The History of Modern Greece, from Its Conquest by the Romans B.C.146, to the Present Time''</ref> the early incursion of Ottoman ], however his resistance was ineffectual. The Sultan, having accepted his submissions, obliged him to pay tribute and to ensure the fidelity of local rulers, George Kastrioti and his three brothers were taken by the Sultan to his court as hostages. Gjon Kastrioti was among those who opposed<ref name="Tennent1845">], 1845, ''The History of Modern Greece, from Its Conquest by the Romans B.C.146, to the Present Time''</ref> the early incursion of Ottoman ], however his resistance was ineffectual. The Sultan, having accepted his submissions, obliged him to pay tribute and to ensure the fidelity of local rulers, Gjergj Kastrioti and his three brothers were taken by the Sultan to his court as hostages.
] was distinguished as one of the best officers in several Ottoman campaigns both in Asia Minor and in Europe, and the Sultan appointed him General. ] was distinguished as one of the best officers in several Ottoman campaigns both in Asia Minor and in Europe, and the Sultan appointed him General.
On 28 November 1443, Skanderbeg saw his opportunity to rebel during a ] against the Hungarians led by ] in ] as part of the ]. He switched sides along with 300 other Albanians serving in the Ottoman army. After a long trek to Albania he eventually captured Krujë by forging a letter<ref name="Tennent1845" On 28 November 1443, Skanderbeg saw his opportunity to rebel during a ] against the Hungarians led by ] in ] as part of the ]. He switched sides along with 300 other Albanians serving in the Ottoman army. After a long trek to Albania he eventually captured Krujë by forging a letter<ref name="Tennent1845"
/> from the Sultan to the Governor of Krujë, which granted him control of the territory. After capturing the castle, Skanderbeg<ref name="gibbon">], 1788, '']'', </ref> abjured Islam and proclaimed himself the avenger of his family and country. /> from the Sultan to the Governor of Krujë, which granted him control of the territory. After capturing the castle, Skanderbeg<ref name="gibbon">], 1788, '']'', </ref> abjured Islam and proclaimed himself the avenger of his family and country.
Following the capture of Krujë, Skanderbeg managed to bring together all the Albanian princes in the town of ]<ref name="jensen">Minna Skafte Jensen, 2006, ''''</ref> (see ], 1444). Gibbon<ref name="gibbon" /> reports that the ''"Albanians, a martial race, were unanimous to live and die with their hereditary prince"'' and that ''"in the assembly of the states of Epirus, Skanderbeg was elected general of the Turkish war and each of the allies engaged to furnish his respective proportion of men and money"''. Following the capture of Krujë, Skanderbeg managed to bring together all the Albanian princes in the town of ]<ref name="jensen">], 2006, '' {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719125946/http://miqesia.dk/Barleti-Scanderbeg.htm |date=19 July 2011 }}''</ref> (see ], 1444). Gibbon<ref name="gibbon" /> reports that the ''"Albanians, a martial race, were unanimous to live and die with their hereditary prince"'' and that ''"in the assembly of the states of Epirus, Skanderbeg was elected general of the Turkish war and each of the allies engaged to furnish his respective proportion of men and money"''.


==Dukagjini Principality== ==Principality of Albania (medieval) under the Thopia==
{{Main|Principality of Dukagjini}} {{Main article|Principality of Albania (medieval)}}
The '''Principality of Albania''' was an ] ruled by the formidable Albanian dynasty of ]. One of the first notable rulers is ] who was count of Mat since 1328. The most influential figure from this dynasty as well one of the most influential figures of medieval Albania was ]. The principality changed hands between the Thopia dynasty and the ], until 1392, when ] was annexed by the ].
'''Principality of Dukagjini''' (1387–1444) was one of the most important principalities in Medieval Albania. It was created by brothers Pal and Leka I Dukagjini and then ruled by Pal's descendants, ], ], who took part in the ]. Pal's son, ] is one of the most prominent personalities in ].


==Princedom of Albania== ==Principality of Mataranga==
{{Main|Princedom of Albania}} {{Main article|Mataranga family}}
'''Princedom of Albania''' (1368–1443) was an ] formed after the disestablishment of ], by ]. The principality changed hands between the Thopia dynasty and the Balsha dynasty, until 1392, when it was occupied by the ]. When ] liberated ] and reorganised the ], the descendant of ], ], managed to regain control of the princedom. Finally, it was united with other Albanian principalities forming the ] in 1444.


The ], who were wealthy in the ] coastal region between ] and ], whose first known members were recorded in a document from the Republic of Ragusa as rulers of the territory. Temporary vassals of the ] ], at the beginning of the 14th century they accepted the supremacy of ], who recaptured Durazzo in 1304 for the ] of the ].<ref>Dimiter Angelov: '' Imperial Ideology and Political Thought in Byzantium, 1204-1330. '' p.&nbsp;319.</ref> One of the last members was the ruler ] who after Dusan's death ruled from 1355 until his death in 1367, after his death the territories of the ] were incorporated into the ].
==League of Lezha==

{{main|League of Lezha}}
⚫ ==Principality of Gropa==
The '''League of Lezhë''' (2 March 1444 – 25 April 1479) was a confederation of all Albanian principalities, created in the Assembly of Lezha in 2 March 1444. The league was led by ] and after his death by ]. Skanderbeg organized a meeting of Albanian nobles, the Arianits, Dukagjin, Spani, Thopias, Muzakas, and the leaders of the free Albanian principalities from the high mountains, in the town of ], where the nobles agreed to fight together for mutual gain against the common ] enemy and they voted Skanderbeg as their ] chief. The League of Lezhë was a confederation and each principality kept its sovereignty.
{{Main article|Gropa family}}
]
The '''Gropa family''' was one of the biggest and famous Albanian noble families in the eastern Albania. The dynasty controlled the region between ], ] and ] in the period 12th – 14th century.<ref name=Vlora>Vlora 1956, {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127011910/http://www.albanianhistory.net/texts20_3/AH1956_1.html |date=27 January 2012 }}: "The sphere of influence of the Gropas was no doubt concentrated in the region between ], ] and ]. They seem to have ruled in that area for two centuries"</ref> In 1218 a certain Andrea was mentioned as a powerful sebast. In 1273 is mentioned ] which once again reconfirmed the domains of the Gropa family and were even given extended privileges by ] in order to ensure his loyalty. The Gropa noble family ruled until 1395 when it fell under the rapid expansion of the ].

==Principality of Zaharia==
{{Main article|Zaharia family}}

The first ruler of the ] was ] who captured the ] in 1396 he proclaimed himself the Lord of Sati and Dagnum ''("dominus Sabatensis et Dagnensis")''<ref>{{Citation |last=Šufflay |first= Milan |author-link=Milan Šufflay |author2=St. Stanojević |editor=H. Barić |title=Srbi i Arbanasi : njihova simbioza u srednjem vijeku |url=http://ia700502.us.archive.org//load_djvu_applet.php?file=8/items/SrbiIArbanasi/Milanufflay-SrbiIArbanasi1925.djvu| edition= Biblioteka Arhiva za Arbanasku Starinu, Jezik i Etnologiju|series= Istorijska Serija |year=1925 |publisher=Seminar za Arbanasku Filologiju |location=Belgrade |language=sr |page=49 |oclc=249799501 |quote=Na papiru ili pergameni predaje Djurdje tom zgodom Mlečanima i »grad Sati s carinom na Danju«. Ali dočim Skadar i Drivast domala i bez zapreke preuzimaju mletački provedituri, mali gradići u gudurama Drina, Danj i Sati, ostaju za njih Tih mjesta, u kojima 1395 vlada Kostadin Balšić, ne će izručiti njegov kaštelan, Arbanas Coya Zaccaria. On se poslije nazivao »dominus Sabatensis et Dagnensis« i bio čas turski kletvenik, čas mletački saveznik. }}</ref> and from there he ruled the territory around it as an Ottoman vassal. In October 1400 Koja proposed to the Venetians to simulate a battle in which he and his cousin ] would pretend to lose their possessions to the Venetians, in exchange for provision of 500 ducats annually. The Venetians did not promptly respond and Koja returned to the sultan.<ref>{{harvnb|Bešić|1970|p=78}}{{quote|У октобру 1400. год. један скадарски фрањевац упознао јемлетачку владу са жељом Ко је Закарије да се приклони Млеча-нима, јер је турску власт прихватио наводно из нужде, и да засличан став придобије свог рођака Димитрија Јониму. Као господар Дања и Шатија, ... Предлагао је да се инсценира сукоб у коме би га Млечани побиједшш и ... Сам је као награду тражио млетачку провизију од 500 дуката годишње. Упркос привлачности понуде,Млечани су одложили коначну одлуку, поготову када се послијенеколико дана сазнало да је и сам. Која већ отишао султану.)}}</ref> Koja continued to rule until 1430 when ] captured ] from Koja Zaharia in 1430 it was attached to the territory controlled by ], while Koja was either imprisoned or expelled.<ref>{{harvnb|Bešić|1970|p= 158}}{{quote|Коју Закарију је или протјерао или заробио, а Дањ повјерио Али-бегу.)}}</ref> After the ] was crushed the sultan entrusted Koja's son ] with a position of Dagnum's governor.<ref>{{harvnb|Bešić|1970|p=160}}{{quote|Када је арбанаски устанак скршен, султан је ... Предао је Дањ сину Које Закарије — Леки,)}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
Line 85: Line 90:
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==Bibliography==
⚫ ''"History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science. ISBN 99927-1-623-1''
*{{Citation |last=Bešić |first=Zarij M. |title=Istorija Crne Gore / 2. Crna gora u doba oblasnih gospodara |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/82440321/Grupa-Autora-Istorija-Crne-Gore-2-tom-2 |year=1970 |publisher=Redakcija za istoiju Crne Gore |location=Titograd |language=sr |oclc=175122851}}
*{{cite book |last1=Imber |first1=Colin |title=The Ottoman Empire, 1300-1650: The Structure of Power |date=2019 |publisher=Macmillan International Higher Education |isbn=978-1352004144 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D_mBDwAAQBAJ}}
*{{cite book |last1=Trnavci |first1=Gene |title=The interaction of customary law with the modern rule of law in Albania and Kosova |editor1=Mortimer Sellers |date=2010 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-9048137497 |page=205 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Rx7_KyUp7cC}}
⚫ *''"History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science. {{ISBN|99927-1-623-1}}''
*{{cite book|title=The American Slavic and East European Review 1952|year=1952|id={{ASIN|1258092352|country=de}} |ref={{sfnref|The American Slavic and East European Review|1952}}}}

{{Medieval Albanian Principalities}} {{Medieval Albanian Principalities}}
{{Albania topics}} {{Albania topics}}


] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 09:43, 8 November 2024

Former countries in Europe

Part of a series on the
History of Albania
State emblem of Albania
Early History
Medieval
Early modern
Late modern
Contemporary
Topics
Timeline

The term Albanian Principalities refers to a number of principalities (although they functioned more like a series of kingdoms) created in the Middle Ages in Albania and the surrounding regions in the western Balkans that were ruled by Albanian nobility. The 12th century marked the first Albanian principality, the Principality of Arbanon. It was later, however, in the 2nd half of the 14th century that these principalities became stronger, especially with the fall of the Serbian Empire after 1355. Some of these principalities were notably united in 1444 under the military alliance called League of Lezhë up to 1480 which defeated the Ottoman Empire in more than 28 battles. They covered modern day Albania,western and central Kosovo, Epirus, areas up to Corinth, western North Macedonia, southern Montenegro. The leaders of these principalities were some of the most noted Balkan figures in the 14th and 15th centuries such as Gjin Bua Shpata, Andrea II Muzaka, Gjon Zenebishi, Karl Topia, Andrea Gropa, Balsha family, Gjergj Arianiti, Gjon Kastrioti, Skanderbeg, Dukagjini family and Lek Dukagjini.

List of Albanian principalities

Recreated map of the Albanian principalities c. 1390

Principality of Arbanon

Main article: Principality of Arbanon
Principality of Arbanon

The Principality of Arbanon (1190–1255) was the first Albanian state during the Middle Ages. The proclamation of the feudal state of Arbanon, in the north of Albania, with Kruja as the capital took place in 1190. As the founder of this state is known Progoni and later on Gjini and Dhimiter. Nderfandina is known as the most important center of this principality. For this was spoken clearly by the emblem of Arbanon found carved on a stone in the Catholic Church of Saint Maria. After the fall of Progon Dynasty the principality came under Grigor Kamona and Gulam of Albania. Finally the principality was dissolved in 1255. The best period of the principality was under Dhimiter Progoni.

Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto

Main article: Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto

Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto (1358–1374) was a Despotate, ruled by Albanian chieftains of Epirus. It was created after the defeat of Nikephoros II Orsini in 1358 and ceased to exist in 1374, when its despot, Gjin Bua Shpata, unified the territory with Despotate of Arta.

Principality of Valona

Main article: Principality of Valona

The Principality of Valona (1346–1417) was a medieval state roughly encompassing the territories of the modern Albanian counties of Vlorë (Valona) and Berat. Initially a vassal of the Serbian Empire, it became an independent lordship after 1355 until conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1417. Between 1355 and 1417, there were Bulgarian rulers from Asen family and rulers from the Balšić family.

Principality of Dukagjini

Main article: Principality of Dukagjini

The Principality of Dukagjini (Albanian: Principata e Dukagjinit) refers to the domains of the Albanian Dukagjini family in northern Albania and western Kosovo in the 14th century and 15th century. At their maximum extent, the domains of the Dukagjini extended from Upper Zadrima in the northwest to the Plain of Dukagjini in western Kosovo. The political center of the Dukagjini family was Lezhë until 1393 when it was surrendered to Venice in order to not fall under the Ottomans. The Ottoman sanjak of Dukagjin was named after the rule of the family in the areas that formed it. The principality formally existed until 1479, but in 1444 it was united by Skanderbeg with the other Albanian noble families.

Despotate of Arta

Main article: Despotate of Arta

Despotate of Arta (1355–1416) was a Despotate, ruled by Albanian chieftains of Epirus. It was created after the defeat of Nikephoros II Orsini in 1358 and ceased to exist in 1416. After the death of Peter Losha in 1374, the Albanian despotates of Arta and Angelocastron were united under the rule of Despot Gjin Bua Shpata. The territory of this despotate was from the Corinth Gulf to Acheron River in the North, neighbouring with the Principality of Gjon Zenebishi, another state created in the area of the Despotate of Epirus. The Despotate of Epirus managed to control in this period only the eastern part of Epirus, with its capital in Ioannina. During this period the Despotate of Epirus was ruled by Thomas II Preljubović, who was in an open conflict with Gjin Bua Shpata. In 1375, Gjin Bua Shpata started an offensive in Ioannina, but he couldn't invade the city. Although Shpata married with the sister of Thomas II Preljubović, Helena their war did not stop. After the death of Gjin Bua Shpata in 1399, the Despotate of Arta weakened continuously. Among the animosities with the rulers of Janina Gjin's successor, Muriq Shpata, had to deal with the intentions of the Venetians and of Count Carlo I Tocco of Cefalonia. In 1416 he defeated Jakup Bua Shpata and conquered Arta, ending the Shpata dynasty.

Principality of Gjirokastër

Map of the Principality of Gjirokastër (1373-1418)
Main article: Zenebishi family

Principality of Gjirokastër (1373–1418) was a principality created by Gjon Zenebishi in 1386 and abolished after the Ottoman invasion in 1434. In 1380, Gjon Zenebishi was appointed sebastocrator or prefect of Vagenetia near Delvina and in 1386 he became prince. In 1399 Esau, supported by some Albanian clans, marched against his wife's brother-in-law Gjon Zenebishi of Gjirokastër. Now Esau was routed and captured, and much of his land was occupied by Zenebishi. Esau returned to Ioannina in 1400, regaining the reign from Zenebishi. Zenebishi was defeated by the Turks, he fled to the Venetian island of Corfu, but was called back two years later (1416) by an uprising of the mountain tribes. With the support of Venice, he again set his sights on Gjirokastra, but was chased away once more by the Turks and died in Corfu in 1418.

Lordship of Berat

Main article: Lordship of Berat

The Lordship of Berat was a principality ruled by the Muzaka noble family. It's uncertain when the Muzaka family started to rule in central Albania, however, one of the first notable rulers is the sebastokrator Andrea I Muzaka who ruled over Myzeqe. In 1335 the principality became a Despotate and was significantly expanded during the rule of Andrea II. The Muzaka family continued to be a formidable and influential dynasty in central Albania until 1417 when it eventually fell under the Ottoman Empire.

Principality of Kastrioti

Main article: Principality of Kastrioti

Principality of Kastrioti (1389–1444) was one of the most important principalities in Medieval Albania. It was created by Gjon Kastrioti and then ruled by the national hero of Albania, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Gjon Kastrioti had originally only two small villages, which probably emblem of the eagle family with a black two-headed, even if it can provide different interpretations. In short time Gjon Kastrioti managed to expand its lands so as to become the undisputed lord of Central Albania. Gjon Kastrioti was among those who opposed the early incursion of Ottoman Bayezid I, however his resistance was ineffectual. The Sultan, having accepted his submissions, obliged him to pay tribute and to ensure the fidelity of local rulers, Gjergj Kastrioti and his three brothers were taken by the Sultan to his court as hostages. Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg was distinguished as one of the best officers in several Ottoman campaigns both in Asia Minor and in Europe, and the Sultan appointed him General. On 28 November 1443, Skanderbeg saw his opportunity to rebel during a battle against the Hungarians led by John Hunyadi in Niš as part of the Crusade of Varna. He switched sides along with 300 other Albanians serving in the Ottoman army. After a long trek to Albania he eventually captured Krujë by forging a letter from the Sultan to the Governor of Krujë, which granted him control of the territory. After capturing the castle, Skanderbeg abjured Islam and proclaimed himself the avenger of his family and country. Following the capture of Krujë, Skanderbeg managed to bring together all the Albanian princes in the town of Lezhë (see League of Lezhë, 1444). Gibbon reports that the "Albanians, a martial race, were unanimous to live and die with their hereditary prince" and that "in the assembly of the states of Epirus, Skanderbeg was elected general of the Turkish war and each of the allies engaged to furnish his respective proportion of men and money".

Principality of Albania (medieval) under the Thopia

Main article: Principality of Albania (medieval)

The Principality of Albania was an Albanian principality ruled by the formidable Albanian dynasty of Thopia. One of the first notable rulers is Tanusio Thopia who was count of Mat since 1328. The most influential figure from this dynasty as well one of the most influential figures of medieval Albania was Karl Thopia. The principality changed hands between the Thopia dynasty and the Balšić dynasty, until 1392, when Durrës was annexed by the Republic of Venice.

Principality of Mataranga

Main article: Mataranga family

The Mataranga family, who were wealthy in the southern Albania coastal region between Durazzo and Valona, whose first known members were recorded in a document from the Republic of Ragusa as rulers of the territory. Temporary vassals of the Byzantine Emperors, at the beginning of the 14th century they accepted the supremacy of Philip of Taranto, who recaptured Durazzo in 1304 for the House of Anjou of the Kingdom of Naples. One of the last members was the ruler Blasius Matarango who after Dusan's death ruled from 1355 until his death in 1367, after his death the territories of the Mataranga family were incorporated into the Principality of Albania.

Principality of Gropa

Main article: Gropa family
Domains of the Gropaj family

The Gropa family was one of the biggest and famous Albanian noble families in the eastern Albania. The dynasty controlled the region between Pogradec, Ohrid and Debar in the period 12th – 14th century. In 1218 a certain Andrea was mentioned as a powerful sebast. In 1273 is mentioned Pal Gropa which once again reconfirmed the domains of the Gropa family and were even given extended privileges by Charles I of Anjou in order to ensure his loyalty. The Gropa noble family ruled until 1395 when it fell under the rapid expansion of the Ottoman Empire.

Principality of Zaharia

Main article: Zaharia family

The first ruler of the Zaharia dynasty was Koja Zaharia who captured the castle of Dagnum in 1396 he proclaimed himself the Lord of Sati and Dagnum ("dominus Sabatensis et Dagnensis") and from there he ruled the territory around it as an Ottoman vassal. In October 1400 Koja proposed to the Venetians to simulate a battle in which he and his cousin Dhimitër Jonima would pretend to lose their possessions to the Venetians, in exchange for provision of 500 ducats annually. The Venetians did not promptly respond and Koja returned to the sultan. Koja continued to rule until 1430 when Ishak Bey captured Dagnum from Koja Zaharia in 1430 it was attached to the territory controlled by Ali Beg, while Koja was either imprisoned or expelled. After the Albanian Revolt of 1432–1436 was crushed the sultan entrusted Koja's son Lekë Zaharia with a position of Dagnum's governor.

See also

References

  1. ^ "History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science. ISBN 99927-1-623-1
  2. ^ John V.A. Fine Jr., The Late Medieval Balkans, Ann Arbor, 1987.
  3. ^ The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, Oxford University Press, 1991.
  4. Trnavci 2010, p. 207.
  5. Imber 2019, p. 152.
  6. ^ James Emerson Tennent, 1845, The History of Modern Greece, from Its Conquest by the Romans B.C.146, to the Present Time
  7. ^ Edward Gibbon, 1788, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Volume 6, Scanderbeg section
  8. Minna Skafte Jensen, 2006, A Heroic Tale: Marin Barleti's Scanderbeg between orality and literacy Archived 19 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  9. Dimiter Angelov: Imperial Ideology and Political Thought in Byzantium, 1204-1330. p. 319.
  10. Vlora 1956, 5. Gropa Archived 27 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine: "The sphere of influence of the Gropas was no doubt concentrated in the region between Pogradec, Ohrid and Dibra. They seem to have ruled in that area for two centuries"
  11. Šufflay, Milan; St. Stanojević (1925), H. Barić (ed.), Srbi i Arbanasi : njihova simbioza u srednjem vijeku, Istorijska Serija (in Serbian) (Biblioteka Arhiva za Arbanasku Starinu, Jezik i Etnologiju ed.), Belgrade: Seminar za Arbanasku Filologiju, p. 49, OCLC 249799501, Na papiru ili pergameni predaje Djurdje tom zgodom Mlečanima i »grad Sati s carinom na Danju«. Ali dočim Skadar i Drivast domala i bez zapreke preuzimaju mletački provedituri, mali gradići u gudurama Drina, Danj i Sati, ostaju za njih Tih mjesta, u kojima 1395 vlada Kostadin Balšić, ne će izručiti njegov kaštelan, Arbanas Coya Zaccaria. On se poslije nazivao »dominus Sabatensis et Dagnensis« i bio čas turski kletvenik, čas mletački saveznik.
  12. Bešić 1970, p. 78

    У октобру 1400. год. један скадарски фрањевац упознао јемлетачку владу са жељом Ко је Закарије да се приклони Млеча-нима, јер је турску власт прихватио наводно из нужде, и да засличан став придобије свог рођака Димитрија Јониму. Као господар Дања и Шатија, ... Предлагао је да се инсценира сукоб у коме би га Млечани побиједшш и ... Сам је као награду тражио млетачку провизију од 500 дуката годишње. Упркос привлачности понуде,Млечани су одложили коначну одлуку, поготову када се послијенеколико дана сазнало да је и сам. Која већ отишао султану.)

  13. Bešić 1970, p. 158

    Коју Закарију је или протјерао или заробио, а Дањ повјерио Али-бегу.)

  14. Bešić 1970, p. 160

    Када је арбанаски устанак скршен, султан је ... Предао је Дањ сину Које Закарије — Леки,)

Bibliography

Albanian Principalities in the Middle Ages
Albania articles
History
Illyrians
Middle Ages
(1190–1385)
Ottoman period
(1385–1912)
Independence
(1912–present)
See also
Albania
Geography
Landscape
Environment
Politics
Executive
Judiciary
Vetting Institutions
Subdivisions
  • NUTS
  • Counties
  • Municipalities
  • Cities and towns
  • Communes
  • Villages
  • Maps
    • Legislature
    Human rights
    Security
    Economy
    Finance
    Retail
    Industry
    Energy
    Operators
    Natural resources
  • Oil and gas
  • Mining
    • Infrastructure
    Tourism
    Monuments
    Society
    People
  • Demographics
  • Census
  • Tribes
  • Noble families
  • Diaspora
  • Women
    • Culture
    Art (galleries)
    Education
    Tradition
    Costumes
    Cuisine
    Sports
    Football
    Other sports
    Entertainment
    Symbols
    Other
    Categories: