Albanian Principalities

The term Albanian Principalities refers to a number of principalities created in the Middle Ages in Balkan( Albania,Kosovo and Epirus) that were ruled by Albanian noblemen. The 14th century and the beginning of the fiftinth century was the period in which, in Albania were created sovereign principalities, under Albanian noblemen. Those principalities were created between the fall of the Serbian Empire and the Ottoman invasion of Albania. Most of these principalities were united in 1444 under the Albanian state, called League of Lezha.


List of Albanian Principalities
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
1 Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto 1358-1374
2 Principality of Valona and Kanina 1332-1417
3 Despotate of Arta 1358-1416
4 Principality of Gjirokastër 1386-1434
* League of Lezha 1444-1479
5 Muzakaj Principality of Berat 1335-1444
6 Principality of Kastrioti 1389-1444
7 Principality of Dukagjini 1387-1444
8 Princedom of Albania 1368-1444
9 State of Arianiti 1432-1444


Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepant
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto 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 and Kanina
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Principality of Valona and Kanina (1332 - 1417) was a South Albanian medieval state with hereditary lands roughly encompassing the territories of the modern Albanian Counties Vlorë and Berat. In 14-15 century the Principality was vassal of the Eastern Roman Empire, Serbia and Venetian republic. It was ruled by the House of Stratzimirovic, part of the last Bulgarian medieval Royal dynasties.

Despotate of Arta
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Despotate of Arta was a despotate in Epirus,ruled by Albanian tribesmen, during the 14th century. It was created after the defeat of the local Despot Nikephoros II Orsini in 1358 and ceased to exist in 1416.It was part of Albanian Principalities in the Middle Ages.In the summer of 1358, Nikephoros II Orsini, the last despot of Epirus of the Orsini dynasty, fought with the Albanian chieftains in Acheloos, Acarnania. The Albanian chieftains won the war and they managed to create two new states in the southern territories of the Despotate of Epirus. Because a number of Albanian lords actively supported the successful Serbian campaign in Thessaly and Epirus, the Serbian Tsar granted them specific regions and offered them the Byzantine title of despotes in order to secure their loyalty.The two Albanian lead states were: the first with its capital in Arta was under the Albanian nobleman Peter Losha, and the second, centered in Angelokastron, was ruled by Gjin Bua Shpata. 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.At April 1378 the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller, Juan Fernández de Heredia set about to take Arta but failed and was captured in battle by Gjin Bua Shpata. Herendia was sold by Spata to the Ottoman Turks for a huge prize. Thomas II Preljubović, the Despot of Epirus offered valuable help during the battle, however this alliance didn't last for long.The territory of this despotate at its greatest extend (1374-1403) was from the Corinth Gulf to Acheron River in the North, neighboring with the Principality of Gjon Zenebishti, another albanian 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 Despot of Epirus Thomas II Preljubović was in an open conflict with Gjin Bue Shpata. In 1375, Gjin Bue Shpata started an offensive in Ioannina, but he could not 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, and Shpata Family was involved in civil war. 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. Meanwhile Ottoman incursions were intensified as they were occasionally called by despot Esau de' Buondelmonti of the Despotate of Epirus. After the death of Essau in 1411, the throne was offered to his nephew Carlo I Tocco. Even though his gain was accompanied by a great loss that the forces of Gjon Zenebishi’s inflicted upon his army, he would later subject the leaders of southern Albania. In spite of Muriq Shpata`s victory over Carlo in 1412, the Albanians failed to take Ioannina. On the contrary, not long after killing Muriq Shpata in battle in 1415, Carlo advanced on Arta. In 1416, he defeated Jakup Shpata and conquered Arta, ending the Shpata dynasty.

Losha Dynasty

* Peter Losha

Shpata Dynasty

* Gjin Bua Shpata
* Muriq Shpata
* Jakup Shpata



Principality of Gjirokastër
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Principality of Gjirokastër (1386 - 1434) was an Albanian 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. He was also ruler of Pyrgo and Sayada. He submitted to the Turks after the initial invasion and gave them his son as a hostage to be sent to Adrianople (Edirne) to the court of the sultan. In Turkish historiography, this son became known as Hamza Bey, a military leader. Shortly after his submission, Gjon revolted and seized the fortress of Gjirokastra, encouraged no doubt by the attack on Janina by the Albanians of Acarnania. In 1386 he became officially the Prince of Gjirokastër, a post which he held until the abolition of his principality.Gjon Zenebishi was married with the daughter of Gjin Bua Shpata, Despot of Arta, Irene, and thus became the son-in-law of Shpata and the brother-in-law of the wife of Esau de' Buondelmonti Despot of Epiros. 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. The neighboring magnates determined to restore the captured despots and secured Venetian intercession in his favor. Esau returned to Ioannina in 1400, regaining the reign from Zenebishi.During this time, 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. After his death his son Bua Thopia succeeded him. In 1434 the Ottoman Empire managed to control the principality, giving the end to the Albanian state.



Muzakaj Principality of Berat
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Principality of Berat or Muzakaj Principality (1335-1444) was a principality created by despot Andrea II Muzaka in 1335, with its capital Berat. In 1432, Gjergj Arianiti formed a state in Muzakajs possessions, dividing the principality and taking Berat. The principality was united with other Albanian Principalities in the League of Lezhë in 1444.[1]

A chronicle by Gjon Muzakaj (John Musachi) after he abandoned Albania and went to Italy, written in 1515 shows many interesting facts about the Muzakaj family and the Principality of Berat. Though, information gathered from the chronicle are considered to be somehow deviated in some occasions. The text is considered to be one of the oldest written by an Albanian.

Princes

* Andrea II Muzaka (1335-1372)
* Teodor I Muzaka (1372-1389)
* Teodor II Muzaka (1389-1417)
* Teodor III Muzaka (1417-1444)




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 John Kastrioti managed to expand its lands so as to become the undisputed lord of Central Albania. He married Voissava Kastrioti who born five daughters - Mara, then wife of Stefan Crnojević of Montenegro; Jela, then wife of Gjin (Gino) Musacchio; Angjelina (Angelina), then wife of Vladan Arianit Conmenus Thopia; Vlajka, then wife of Stefan Maramonte Balšić; Maritsa, then wife of Karol Musacchio Thopia - and four children : Reposh, Stanisha (Stanislaus), Kostadin (Constantine) and Gjergj (our George Kastrioti). 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, George Kastrioti and his three brothers were taken by the Sultan to his court as hostages. After his conversion to Islam,he attended military school in Edirne and led many battles for the Ottoman Empire to victory. For his military victories, he received the title Arnavutlu İskender Bey, (Albanian: Skënderbe shqiptari, English: Lord Alexander, the Albanian) comparing Kastrioti's military brilliance to that of Alexander the Great.

Restoration of Gjergj Kastrioti

He 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. He even fought against Greeks, Serbs and Hungarians, and some sources say that he used to maintain secret links with Ragusa, Venice, Ladislaus V of Hungary, and Alfonso I of Naples.Sultan Murat II gave him the title Vali which made him General Governor. On November 28, 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. He raised a flag showing a double-headed eagle, an ancient symbol used by various cultures of Balkans (especially the Byzantine Empire), which later became the Albanian flag. The Governor was killed as he was returning to Edirne, unaware of Skanderbeg's intentions... Skanderbeg allied with George Arianite(born Gjergj Arianit Komneni) and married his daughter Andronike (born Marina Donika Arianiti).


League of Lezha

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". With this support, Skanderbeg built fortresses and organized a mobile defense force that forced the Ottomans to disperse their troops, leaving them vulnerable to the hit-and-run tactics of the Albanians.[8] He managed to create the League of Lezha, a federation of all Albanian Principalities.



Principality of Dukagjini
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Principality of Dukagjini (1387-1444) was a principality in Medieval Albania. It was created by brothers Pal and Leka I Dukagjini and then ruled by Pal's descendants, Tanush Dukagjini, Pal II Dukagjini, who took part in the League of Lezha. Pal's son, Lekë III Dukagjini is one of the most prominent personalities in Albanian history.



Princedom of Albania
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Princedom of Albania (1368-1443) was an Albanian principality formed after the disestablishment of Kingdom of Albania, by Karl Thopia. The principality changed hands between the Thopia dynasty and the Balsha dynasty, until 1392, when Durrës was occupied by the Republic of Venice and the Princedom managed to control only a portion of the surroundings of the city. When Skanderbeg liberated Kruja and reorganised the Principality of Kastrioti, the descendant of Gjergj Thopia, Andrea II Thopia, managed to regain control of the Durrës. Finally, it was united with other Albanian Principalities forming the League of Lezha in 1444.

Rulers

* Karl Thopia 1st reign 1368–1382
* Balša II 1385–1387
* Karl Thopia 2nd reign 1385–1387
* Gjergj Thopia 1387–1392
* Andrea I Thopia 1392-1428
* Andrea II Thopia 1428-1444
Creation

In 1358, Karlo rose against the rule of the Anjou and could drive them out up to Durrës from Epirus and Albania. It prevailed from 1358 to 1387 over far parts of central Albania and called themselves Princeps Albaniae.

Since 1362, Karlo sought himself to set Durrës, which was in the possession of the Duchess Johanna of Anjou, also into the possession of the city. The first, certainly still unsuccessful siege lasted from April 1362 until May 1363. Then, Thopia had to withdraw his troops, who were weakened by an epidemic disease. Only in 1367 could Karlo conquer Durrës, who had attained in the meantime the tacit agreement of the Venetians for his project and make important port his residence.

Karlo gained control of Durazzo in 1368, which was where the Angevins held out due to their Kingdom becoming smaller in size. This event caused the Kingdom of Albania to end.
[edit] Balsa dynasty

Balša II made a fourth attempt to conquer Durrës, an important commercial and strategetic center, which was ruled by rival, Karl Thopia. In 1382, Balša II began a war and seized Durrës. In 1385, the defeated Karl Thopia, appealed to Murad I for support against his rivals, the Balšić family of Zeta. This is like inviting the Ottoman Empire into Albania in order to help him defeat his rivals of the Balšić family. This was a grave mistake in trying to change Albania's history dramatically.

This attempt caused an Ottoman force, led by Hajrudin Pasha, to quickly march into Albania along the Via Egnatia and routed the Balšas. Hajrudin Pasha's forces inflicted heavy defeat on Balša II's forces and killed Balša II in a big battle on Saurian Field (Serbian: Saurijsko Polje) near Berat in 1385, ending the Balša family's rule over Durrës.
[edit] Downfall

In 1392, the Princedom of Albania was territorially shrinking in the areas surroundings Durrës, which fell under the Republic of Venice. When Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg managed to regain control over Kruja, Andrea II Thopia, descendant of Karl Thopia, regained Durrës and united the princedom with the League of Lezha on March 2, 1444.



State of Arianiti
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
State of Arianiti (1432-1444) was a principality created by prince Gjergj Arianiti in 1432, with its capital Berat. The Principality was created, after the division of the Muzakaj Principality of Berat and was united with other Albanian Principalities in the League of Lezhë in 1444.