Albanian Principalities

The Albanian Principalities were a collection of medieval political entities in Albania and the surrounding western Balkans, ruled by Albanian nobility. The first, the Principality of Arbanon, emerged in the 12th century. These principalities gained strength in the latter half of the 14th century, particularly after the fall of the Serbian Empire in 1355. They covered areas including modern-day Albania, parts of Kosovo, Epirus, and Montenegro. In 1444, some united to form the League of Lezhë, a military alliance that successfully resisted the Ottoman Empire in numerous battles until 1480. Notable leaders included Skanderbeg and Karl Topia.