Principality of Albania (medieval) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Principality of Albania Principata e Arbërisë
1328–1415
Coat of arms
Domains of the Thopia, between 1385-1392
Status	Principality
Capital	Durrës
Common languages	Albanian
Religion	Roman Catholicism Eastern Orthodoxy
Government	Principality
Prince
• 1328-1338	Tanusio Thopia
• 1358–1388	Karl Thopia
Historical era	Medieval
• Established	1328
• Ottoman conquest	1415
ISO 3166 code	AL
Preceded by Succeeded by Kingdom of Albania Ottoman Empire

The Principality of Albania (called Principata e Arbërisë in Albanian) was a medieval state in what is now Albania. It was ruled by the Thopia family, an important Albanian noble family. The principality started around 1328 with Tanusio Thopia, who was a count in the Mat region. Over time, control of the principality shifted between the Thopia family and the Balsha family. In 1392, the city of Durrës, a key part of the principality, was taken over by the Republic of Venice.

History of the Principality

One of the first important leaders of the Thopia family was Tanusio Thopia. He was mentioned in 1329 as one of Albania's counts. In 1338, King Robert of Naples officially recognized Tanusio as the Count of Matia. This showed the Thopia family's connection to the Angevins, a powerful European royal family.

By 1340, the Thopia family controlled a large area between the Mati and Shkumbin rivers. They, along with the Muzaka family, agreed to accept the Angevins as their rulers after fighting against the Serbs. However, only Andrea Muzaka actually fought the Serbs.

Serbian Conquest and Thopia's Return

Around 1343, the Serbian King Stefan Dušan conquered almost all of Albania. Only Durrës remained free, defended under the command of Tanusio.

After King Stefan Dušan died in 1355, the Thopia family got their lands back. They then ruled most of central Albania. In 1358, Karl Thopia rebelled against the Angevins. He managed to push them out of Epirus and most of Albania, except for Durrës. From 1358 to 1368, Karl Thopia ruled over large parts of central Albania. He called himself the "Prince of Albania."

Conquest of Durrës

Since 1362, Karl Thopia wanted to take control of Durrës. This city was held by Duchess Johanna of Anjou. His first attempt to capture the city lasted from April 1362 to May 1363. However, Thopia had to pull back his troops because many of them became sick.

It wasn't until 1367 that Karl Thopia finally conquered Durrës. He had quietly gained the support of the Venetians for his plan. Durrës was an important port city, and Karl Thopia made it his main residence. When Karl gained control of Durrës in 1368, it marked the end of the Angevins' Kingdom of Albania.

Domains of the Thopia family between 1385-1392

Conflict with the Balsha Family

Balša II tried for the fourth time to conquer Durrës. This city was a very important trading and military center. In 1382, Balša II started a war and successfully took Durrës from Karl Thopia.

In 1385, the defeated Karl Thopia asked the Ottoman Sultan Murad I for help. He wanted support against his rivals, the Balsha family from the Principality of Zeta. This decision meant inviting the powerful Ottoman Empire into Albania to help him defeat his enemies.

An Ottoman army, led by Hayreddin Pasha, quickly marched into Albania. They traveled along the Via Egnatia, an ancient Roman road. The Ottoman forces heavily defeated Balša II's army. Balša II himself was killed in a major battle near Lushnje in 1385. This battle, known as the Battle of Savra, ended the Balsha family's rule over Durrës. In 1392, Durrës fell under the control of the Republic of Venice.

Later Rulers and Ottoman Conquest

After Gjergj Thopia died, Niketa Thopia became the next ruler. He was also the last ruler of the principality. After the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid died in 1402, many Albanian lords, including Niketa, John Kastrioti, and Koja Zaharija, recognized Venice as their protector. The Venetians wanted a safe area between their lands and the advancing Ottoman army. Niketa continued to rule Kruje until 1415. In that year, Kruje fell under the control of the Ottoman Empire, which marked the end of the Principality of Albania.

Princes of Albania

Prince	Reign	Notes
Tanusio Thopia Count of Matia	1328-1338	He was recognized as the Count of Matia.
Andrea I Thopia	1338-1343	He became the Count of Mat after Tanusio's death. Andrea married the daughter of King Robert of Naples without his father-in-law's permission. The king was very angry and invited the couple to Naples. Sadly, they were killed there.
Karl Thopia princeps Albanese	1355–1383	In 1358, Karl fought against the Angevins and pushed them out of most of Albania, including Durrës. He ruled much of central Albania from 1358 to 1388 and called himself the "Prince of Albania." Karl took control of Durrës in 1368. He lost Durrës in 1376 but got it back in 1383. Thopia ruled over areas like Durrës, Kruja, Peqin, Elbasan, Mokra, and Gora. These lands were along the important Via Egnatia road, stretching as far east as Lake Ohrid.
Balsha II duke of Durazzo	1383–1385	He was a member of the Balsha family. He expanded his lands to the south by defeating Karl Thopia. He was killed at the Battle of Savra.
Karl Thopia	1385-1388	With help from the Ottomans, he defeated his rival Balsha II. He regained his throne as a ruler under the Ottomans. He died in 1388 after ruling for three more years.
Gjergj Thopia	1388–1392	He was the son of Karl Thopia. He became ruler after his father's death.
Niketa Thopia	1392–1394	His first time as ruler lasted for two years.
Konstantin Balsha	1394–1402	He ruled until his death in 1402. His successor was Helena Thopia.
Helena Thopia	1402–1403	After one year, Niketa managed to join his lands with Helena's. He then became the ruler again.
Niketa Thopia	1403–1415	In 1403, Niketa Thopia took the city of Krujë from his sister, Helena Thopia. This united the principality again. When he died in 1415, the castle of Krujë fell to the Ottomans.

See also

In Spanish: Principado de Albania (medieval) para niños