Balša II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balša IIBalsha II |
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| Lord of Lower Zeta | |
Early 15th century banner of the Balšić noble family depicting the founder of the dynasty, Balša I and his sons: Đurađ I, Balša II and Stracimir
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| Reign | 1378 — 18 September 1385 |
| Predecessor | Đurađ I Balšić |
| Successor | Đurađ II Balšić |
| Died | 18 September 1385 Saurian field, near Lushnjë |
| Spouse | Komnena Asen |
| Issue | Ruđina |
| Family | Balšić |
| Father | Balša I |
| Religion | Serbian Orthodox Church (until 1369) (from 1369) Roman Catholicism |
Balša II was an important ruler in the region of Zeta (part of modern-day Montenegro and Albania). He was known as the Lord of Lower Zeta from 1378 until his death in 1385.
Balša II was a member of the powerful Balšić noble family. This family ruled Zeta, including the city of Scutari, for many years, from about 1362 to 1421.
Early Life of a Noble
Balša II was the youngest of three sons of Balša I. His father, Balša I, started as a small nobleman near Lake Skadar. This was during the time of Emperor Dušan the Mighty (who ruled from 1331 to 1355).
After Emperor Dušan died, the next emperor, Uroš V, had less control. This allowed Balša I and his sons, Stracimir, Đurađ, and Balša II, to gain power. They took control of Lower Zeta, which was previously ruled by a lord named Žarko. The Balšić brothers then expanded their influence into Upper Zeta.
The Balšić family grew from being minor nobles to powerful regional lords after 1362. They even played a role in the conflicts between Emperor Uroš V and Simeon Uroš in Skadar, often supporting Uroš V.
In 1364, the Balšić brothers faced a defeat against Karl Thopia. Balša II's brother, Đurađ I, was captured. He was held prisoner until 1366, when the city of Dubrovnik helped arrange his release.
In 1368, a document from Dubrovnik mentioned that the three Balšić brothers were planning a campaign against Karl Thopia. They were camped near the Mati River. The fighting was not very large-scale. Just two months later, Karl Thopia was able to capture Dyrrhachium from the Angevins.
In 1372, Balša II made an important marriage. He married Komnina, the daughter of Alexander Komnenos Asen. Alexander was the Despot of Berat and Valona. As part of her dowry, Balša gained control of the cities of Valona, Berat, and Kanina. These cities are in what is now southern Albania.
Balša II's Rule
Balša II became the ruler of Zeta on January 13, 1378, after his older brother, Đurađ I, passed away. At first, his power was mainly in the area around Scutari and the eastern coast of Zeta.
Not all local lords accepted Balša's rule. The Đurašević-Crnojević family, who were rivals of the Balšići, did not recognize him. They were also allies of the Republic of Venice.
In 1385, Balša II decided to expand his territory. He started a war to take control of Durazzo. After four attempts, he finally succeeded in capturing the city.
However, the defeated ruler, Karl Topia, asked for help from Murat I, the Ottoman Sultan. The Ottoman Army, led by Hajruddin Pasha, marched against Balša II. They met in the Battle of Savra, on the Saurian field, near Lushnjë. The Ottomans won a decisive victory. Balša II was killed in this battle. This event marked the end of his family's control over Durazzo.
What Happened Next
After Balša II's death, his wife, Komnina, and their daughter, Ruđina, took charge of his lands in southern Albania. They wanted to protect these areas from the Ottoman invaders.
Komnina seemed to be the main ruler of the Duchy of Valona until she died in 1396. Meanwhile, the Muzaka family gained control of Berat.
In 1391, Ruđina married Mrkša Žarković. Žarković then became the ruler of the duchy, calling himself the Lord of Valona. He ruled the city until his death in 1414. Ruđina then took over her late husband's position. She ruled Valona until 1417, when the city and its fortress in Kanina were taken by the Turks.
Ruđina left Albania and found safety in Zeta. Her nephew, Balša III, who was then the ruler of Zeta, welcomed her. He made her the governor of the coastal town of Budva.
Titles Held
Balša II's main title was gospodin, which means lord. After he captured Durazzo, he also had the right to use the title of duke.
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