Maps of Power

Karaiskaj 2010

Properties

ID 123849
System Class Bibliography
Bibliography Book
Case Study Beyond East and West: Sacred Landscapes Duklja and Raška

Description

Gjerak Karaiskaj, Die spätantiken und mittelalterlichen Wehranlagen in Albanien. Städte, Burgen, Festungen und Kastelle (Ex Architectura 7, Hamburg 2010).

Relations

Places (36)
Name Class Begin End Description
Baleco Place The town of Balec is said to be inhabited by the Illyrians and then by the Romans. Being destroyed after the arrival of the Slavs, a new town was build on this site, which became the capital of the region and was incorporated into the kingdom of Duklja (Zeta from the 12th century onwards). Here, the bishopric of Palachium was established before 1067. The bishopric had been alternating its status as a suffragan of Dioclea and of Bar until the 15th century. (Könighaus) The Town of Baleco lies now in ruins north of Shkodra. The town is located on the Maja Balezit near the confluence of the rivers Rrjollit and Gropes. The town is described as very vital in the year 1363, but already in 1402 it only has the status of a Pronoia and has in 1416 counted only 25 houses. (FC CVen. di Scut. 101 - cita de Belezo). Baleco can probably identified with Skanderbegs Reç Fortress.
Bashtovë Fortress Place The Bashtovë Fortress was built between the years 1456 and 1478 by the Venetians in great haste. The Datin into the 15th century is heavily debated, because of similarities to other fortresses in e.g. Elbasan, some researchers suggest a construction during the Justinian Dynasty. Many Byzantine spolia were used during the construction. The Fortress lies far away of towns. Its purpose was probably to secure the Shkumbin river or a nearby market place.
Bejkova, Tower Place The Tower near Bejkova was built in the Late Antiquity. During the Medieval Age the fortification was renovated. It is possible that this fortification is the remain of the ancient town of Kolonja. Kolonja was the administrative centre of a Byzantine Thema during the 11th century and also during the Normano-Byzantine War at the end of the 11th and beginning of the 12th century. In 1259 the region was recaptured by the Emperors of Nicea and again in 1328 by Andronikos II Palaiologos.
Berat Place Berat was probably founded by king Kassander of Macedonia and named after his father Antipatros. Theodosias II renamed the city to Pulcheropolis. The walls of the town were renovated by Justinian and extended with towers. After the Bulgarian conquest in the year 860, the town was named Beligrad/Belograd from which the name Berat derived. Berat was reintegrated into the Byzantine Empire in the year 1018. The lower towns were fortified in the medieval age. After the Fourth Crusade in 1204 Berat became a part of the Despotate of Epirus and it's capital. Michael II gave Berat to Manfred of Hohenstaufen; after his death it formed part of the Regnum Albaniae. In 1280-81 the region and Berat became again part of the Byzantine Empire and lost in 1345 to Stefan IV Dušan. In the year 1417 Berat was conquered by the Ottomans, who then built the citadel, the lower town and a bazar. During his rebellion, Skanderbeg unsuccessfully besieged Berat (AAI, 55 (13-14) - ad episcopatum Belogradensem; GČ KNS, 87 (48-49) - de Belgrado).
Butrint Place The upper town of Butrint was first mentioned in the 3rd to 4th centuries, it also was mentioned as a bishop's see in 457 and 516. During the reign of Leon VI (886-911) Butrint was part of the archdiocese of Naupaktos. Bishop Arsen of Corfu described the region's wealth in fish and oysters. After the dismantling of the First Bulgarian Empire in 1020 Butrint became part of the Archdiocese of Ohrid. In the 11th and 12th century Butrint was under changing rule and involved of the wars of the Byzantines, Normans and Venetians. After the Fourth Crusade in 1204 Butrint became a part of the Despotate of Epirus and became in 1258 part of the realm of Manfred of Hohenstaufen. After Manfreds death Butrint became again part of Epirus and in 1274 of the Byzantine Empire of Michael VIII Palaiologos. In 1278 Epirus again ruled over Butrint but ceded the town to Karl I Anjou in the next year. Only in 1386 Butrint became occupied by Venice and stayed under Venetian rule until the Coalition Wars in 1798.
Daula Fortress Place The Daula Fortress, in the region also known as Fortress of Skanderbeg, was built in the year 1451 by the Albanian prince Skanderbeg. Archeological excavations only show one Stratum of the 15th century. The fortress was destroyed by the Ottomans in the year 1466.
Delvina Place The modern town of Delvina evolved around the medieval fortification of Delvina. Four building phases were identified.
Drisht Place The fortified settlement of Drisht was first mentioned in the reign of John I Tzimiskes (969-976) but can be traced back to the Roman town of Drivastum; it probably even was an earlier Illyrian fortification. In 1184 the Serbian king Stefan Nemanja of Rashka conquered Drisht, after the fall of the Serbian Empire in the second half of the 14th century the town became independent and minted their own coins. From 1369 to the 14th of April 1396 the Albanian noble family of Balsha ruled Drisht until they had to cede to Venice. During the Venetian rule (1396-1404) an cistern was added to the fortress. In 1476 the Ottomans conquered the fortification and the Christian population fled to other Venetian territories, resulting in Drisht loosing its importance and diminished.
Dyrrhachion Place The town of Dyrrhachion was one of the most important Byzantine strongholds in the Adria from the 6th century to the 12th century. The importance of Dyrrhachion lied in the fact, that it was one of two adriatic heads (the other one was Apollonia) of the Via Egnatia. According to Šufflay, Dyrrhachion is the nucleus of the other fortresses in Northern Albania. The emperors Anastasios, Justin and Justinian issued many building and also the refortification and renovation of the fortifications after the retreat of the Ostrogoths and an earthquake in 518. From the 12th century on until 1501 the town was under changing Byzantine, Norman, Epirotes, Anjou Sicilly, Albanian and Venetian rule. In the year 1394, the Venetians again renewed the fortifications and built a canal to dry the swamps of Balta and transform the peninsula of Dyrrhachion into an island similar to Zara and Trau. The Ottomans conquered the town in 1501. (AA I, 80 (27) - Dalmatia et Dyrrhachio; LjS PP., I, 113 (109) - Duka Drački).
Elbasan, Upper Town Place Elbasan was probably founded during the 1st or 2nd century on the Via Egnatia. It was fortified in the 4th century and pillaged by the Goths during the 5th century. Also some churches were built during the time. After 519, when Scampis was mentioned as a bishopric, the town fades from sources. It was rebuilt in the year 1466 by Sultan Mehmed II., while the siege of Kruja, and called Il-basan.
Fleti Place The castle of Fleti was probably built in the 15th century, although some researchers suggest a building in 1281. The castle consisted of two towers connected by walls. One of the towers lays in ruins and the wall has disappered. This castle was used to secure the road to Gjakova.
Gjirokastra Place Gjirokastra was first mentioned in 1388-1389 because of a rebellion against Byzantine rule. Gjirokastra was part of the faciton which supported Andronikos III (sic! Karaiskaj). In the second half of the 14th century, Gjirokastra was ruled by the Albanian noble family of Zenebisi. In 1399 Despot Esau unsuccessfully besieged Gjirokastra. In 1418 the town was ceded to the Ottoman Empire.
Himara Place Himara was first mentioned as Chimaera by plinius in the 2nd century BCE. In the 6th century, the fortified settlement of Himara was mentioned by Procopius. The town was part of the archdiocese of Naupaktos in the 9th century, and in the 10th century it became part of the archiocese of Ohrid. During the War between the Normans and Byzantines Himara was an important Byzantine military base. As many other towns in Albania also Himara was ruled by the Anjou in the aftermath of the fourth crusade. In 1338-1339, Himara was supporting Andronikos III. King Alfonso V sent Catalans to Himara to defend the town against the Ottomans. The Ottomans got sovereignty over Himara in 1479 because of the peace treaty with Venice, only to loose the town to Skanderbeg. After the Ottomans defeated Skanderbeg, they destroyed the castle of Himara.
Kanina Place The fortified settlement of Kanina was first mentioned in Procopius' De Aedificiis as Kionin. However, archeological excavation suggest a settlement already in the 3rd century BCE. The fortification had been renovated under the rule of Justinian. Kanina became an ecclesiastical and regional center in the Gulf of Valon in the 9th or 10th century and was designated a bishopric around 1019. The settlement was as part of the Thema of Jericho also the site of battles between the Norman and Byzantine armies, as described by Anna Comnena. The settlement was conquered by the Normans. After the dismantling of the Bishopric of Vlora Kanina became its successor. Kanina became part of the Kingdom of Sicily during the reign of King Manfred of Hohenstaufen (*1232; † 26th of February 1266), and after his death it became part of the realm of Charles of Anjou. In 1284 Kanina again became a part of the Byzantine Empire. In 1345 the Serbian king Stefan Uroš IV Dušan conquered the region, followed by the Albanian prince Balsha II († 18th of September 1385) in 1372. 1395 the successor of Balsha II tried to sell Kanina to the Venetians for 7000 ducats, this endevour was only successful in 1400. But already in 1417 Kanina became part of the Ottoman Empire. Kanina is economical and political closely connected to Vlora (AA I, 71 (23); KJ Sp., XI, 33 (47); HI SDSArv., 33 - ad partes Canninae; u kulě Kaninьskom; vilayet-i Kaina).
Kruja Place According to Šufflay, Kruja was the town at the centre of the medieval region of Arbanum. The medieval fortress of Kruja was build on a steep hill between the rivers Mat and Išmi. Archaeological excavations have found a 6th to 8th centuries cemetary. Kruja was first mentioned as bishopric see in 879, but it is unclear if the settlement already was fortified. Files of the time of the rule of King Alphonso V of Aragon and Naples suggest that this was a privilege given by Emperor Manuel I Comnenos given in the year 1165. In 1253 Kruja subortinated itself to the Emperor of Nicaea John III Vatatzes but already in 1258 Kruja was conquered by despote Michael II of Epirus and the town became again Byzantine after an Angevin Intermezzo from 1268-1280. Andronikos II Palaiologos granted several privileges to the town and made it the capital of a Byzantine province. 1342 Krja was conquered by Stefan Uroš IV Dušan. After the disintegration of the Serbian empire the local noble family of Thopia ruled over Kruja. After two years under Venetian rule it was ruled by the Ottomans for a short time, before again being independent until 1415 when Kruja was conquered by the Ottomans. Kruja was also the capital of the Skanderbeg rebellion from 1443 onwards. It was three times unsuccessfully besieged by the Ottomans and only fell in 1478 after the death of Skanderbeg (1468). The fortress is quite well preserved, despite an earthquake in 1617 and a part-destruction after an rebellion in the year 1832. Šufflay suggests that Kroja was, like other towns and cities in Illyria and Dalmatia, mainly inhabited by a Romanesque speaking population well into the 12th century. Only after the decay of the Latin population the region became Albanised. Kruja was part of a defensive system for Dhyrrachion/Durres. (AA, I, 48 (10, 11), 57 (14) - David Croensis; SN ZSp. 788 - oppidi Croarum).
Këlcyra Place Këlcyra was first mentioned in the writings of Anna Comnena describing her fathers military endeavours in the war against the Normans at the end of the 11th century. Mentul Muzaka, nephew to the Albanian king Andrew I Muzaka, was mentioned as "comes Clissaniae" in the year 1319. From 1335 to 1336 the fortress became Byzantine again. Këlcyra was mentioned again in 1431-1432 in the Ottoman Defter.
Leš Place The town of Leš was a very important town of the Illyrians, sitting between the Kingdom of Macedonia and the Roman Republic. In the 6th century the Bishop of Leš fled from Leš to Calabria after the town was conquered by Avars. In the 9th century Leš became part of the Thema of Dyrrhachion. Anna Comnena praises the strength of the fortress of the town. In the 13th century, Leš was part of the Principality of Albanon and became part of the Serbian Kingdom in 1340. After the death of Emperor Dušan (1355) the Region became independent and was ruled by the Serbian noble family of the Balšić and in 1387 Leš became the capital of the Dukajin Principality. Also in 1436 Cyriacus of Ancona praises the strong walls of Leš. In 1440 the town was hit by a great fire. Leš was ruled by Venice from 1393 until the Ottoman conquest in 1478. After the Venetians were able to reconquest the town for a short time in 1501 they demolished the defensive buildings before they ceded Leš back to the Ottomans. (AA I, 374 (111) - usque ad flumen Lesii).
Mashkjeza Castle Place At the end of the 13th century, Mashkjeza Castle was built as a Western European style castle on top of the ancient foundations. The castle was inhabited by a noble family related to the Anjou rulers of Albania. Coins of the Duchy of Athens, the Principate of Achaia, and the County of Tripolis have all been found within the castle and allow an datin between 1274 and 1301. Following the defeat of the Latins at the hand of the Byzantines, the castle was abandoned.
Mborje, Church of Shën Ristoz Place The church of Shën Ristoz was built around the year 1300, the frescoes are dated to the 14th century. The church of Christ in Mborje name a certain Amirali and his Brother Sebastokrator Joanes as rulers.
Mborje, Fortress Place The fortification near Mbjore was first mentioned in 1432 as an Ottoman garrison. It is suggested that the fortress was built between the 12th and 14th century and served as fortified home of a noble family, as the fortress is also known as "Qytet", town, by the people. The church of Christ in Mborje name a certain Amirali and his Brother Sebastokrator Joanes as rulers.
Ndroq Place The fortification near Ndroq was first mentined in the Ottoman Defter in 1431-1432. However archeological surveys suggest a first building phase in late antiquity and use throughout the medieval period. In Ottoman times the fortress was surrounded by a small town.
Petralba Place The Petralba fortress was built in the 14th or 15th century and was conquered by Skanderbeg in 1443. The fortress guarded the road from Durres to Prizren and was an important part of Skanderbegs defensive system of Albania. After the death of Skanderbeg the fortress fell into ruin and only the village of Guri Bardhë was mentioned as successor settlement to the fortresses lower town.
Petrela Place The fortified settlement of Petrela was first mentioned by Anna Komnena in the 12th century, but findings suggest a foundation by the Illyrians in Antiquity. In 1153 Petrela was mentioned by Al-Idrisi as Betrula as an important regional marketplace. Petrula was again mentioned in the 15th century during the war of Skanderbeg against the Ottomans. After the Ottomans conquered Petrela and founded Elbasan the fortress lost its importance, both as a fortress and a marketplace. Four archaeological phases were found, the first in the 5th century, probably during the reign of Anastasios I, the second phase was during the early medieval age, the third probably in the 12th or 13th century, the last phase was in the 15th century.
Pirg Place The Purgi tower was built at a river port, which was important to the grain trade with Ragusa. The tower was built as a defense of the port by the Albanian nobleman Nikolla Muzaka in 1389- After Nikolla Muzaka Rugina Balsha incorporated the tower into her realm of Vlora and Kanina. In danger of the Ottomans Rugina Balsha wanted to cede her princedom to Venice, unfortunately the negotiations wer prolongated until 1417, when the Ottomans conquered Pirg. The last mentioned possessor of the tower was Ajdin Gropa mentioned in 1421. (AA II 441 (106-107) - de illa turri del birgo; KJ Sp., XI, 14 - et turrim Purgi).
Podgoria Place On the hill next to Podgoria lies the fortress of Podgoria. The Fortress was built inside an ancient acropolis. Findings in the acropolis go back until the first century CE. The fortress itself was dated by coin findings between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Preza Fortress Place The Preza Fortress was probably built in the early 15th century or around 1500. Who exactly founded the Preza fortress was debated, suggestions were the Ottoman, the Albanian noble Family of Topia or Skanderbeg. The fortress was expanded by an mosque in the 16th century.
Reç Fortress Place The Reç Fortress probably can be identified with Skanderbegs castle Balessium. The fortification was first mentioned as the town of Ballac in 1062 in a letter by Alexander II to the Archbishop of Bar. Ballac then was mentioned in 1347 as bishopric. In 1416 the Venetian cadastre mentioned the place only as a vilalge with 25 houses. Skanderbeg renovated in 1448 the Walls in preparation of his attempts to conquer the Danja fortress. Reç is also mentioned as a bishopric in the 14th and 15th century.
Rodon Fortress Place Rodon fortress at Cape Rodon was a well known adriatic pirate centre in 1324. Near the fortress three monasteries existed in the 14th and 15th century. Skanderbeg heavily fortified Rodon fortress. He planned to make it his main fortress in his wars against the Ottomans. After the conquest of Durres in the year 1501 Rodon fortress and its port lost its importance and was abandoned. According to Barletius Rodon was destroyed by Sultan Mehmet II after the third siege of Kruja.
Rubik Fortress Place The Rubik Fortress was probably located near the monastery of Rubik. The Fortres was not mentioned in medieval or early modern charters but a connection to the monastery is likely.
Sardoniki Place The ancient Roman fort, Sarda was founded in the late 4th century. In the 5th century it also served as a bishopric, later being abandoned in the 6th century after the invasion of the Avars and Slavs. Sardoniki was resettled and refortified in the 10th century. Sardoniki was resettled and refortified in the 10th century, in 1189 Sardoniki again became a bishopric and was a suffragan bishopric of the archbishop of Tivari. Until 1460 Sarda was ruled by the noble families of the Dukagjini and Zaharia (VĐ ŽSN., 31 - Sar'donikii gradь). The town of Sardoniki was ruined by the building of the dam of Vau i Dejes.
Skadar Place The town of Skadar was founded in the 4th century BCE. Skodra was in hellenistic times part of a Koinon and also the residence of the last Illyrian king. Under Roman rule Skadar became an oppida and an administrative center for the region. In the 3rd or 4th century and also in the 5th century under Justinian the walls of Skadar were rebuilt. During the medieval age the medieval town separated itself somewhat from the ancient town core, which became the town quarter of Ajasma. In 1040 Skadar became part of the Serbian realm. Manuel I Comnenos integrated Skadar in the year 1160 into the Byzantine Empire and made it the capital of the Thema of Dalmatia. 1184 Skadar became again part of the Serbian Kingdom and in 1215 of the Despotate of Epirus. In 1355 Albanian nobles declared their independence, but fell in 1396 under Venetian sovereignty. The Venetians built in 1416 the three walled defensives around the town and renovated the fortifications between 1461 and 1474. In 1479 Skadar was conquered by the Ottoman. (FŠ LPD., 310; VM Lj.,58; VĐ ŽSN., 31 - civitatem Scodarim; Rosafь grad' rekomyi Skьdrь).
Sopot Fortress Place The Sopot Fortress was probably built at the beginning of the 13th century. In 1258 Sopot became a part of Manfred of Hohenstaufen's realm and was conquered by Nikephoros I of Epirus in 1278 but ceded to the Anjou in 1279. During the Rebellion of the Albanians in 1336 Sopot supportet the Byzantine emperor Andronikos III. It was again mentioned in 1431-1432 in the Ottoman Defter.
Stelush Fortress Place The Stelush Fortress was probably built in the 15th century on ancient fundaments. The fortress was built and used by Skanderbeg in his wars against the Ottomans.
Symiza Fortress Place The fortified settlement of Symiza was first settled in the early iron age and refortified in the Antiquity. The settlement was continued during the medieval age. In the last period of its use Symiza was used as a lordly manor.
Tepelena Fortress Place The Tepelena Fortress was byzantine fortress at the crossroad of two important roads through the Vjosa valley and the Drin valley respectively. The Byzantine fortress was destroyed by Beyazit III and rebuilt afterwards. Unfortunately the Byzantine fortress can hardly be traced.
Vau i Dejës Place The medieval town of Danja was first mentioned in 1189 and became a royal palace of the Serbian kings. In 1361 Danja also became a bishopric. Since 1396 the town was ruled by the Albanian noble family of the Zaharia. In 1426 Danja was conquered by the Ottomans and in 1447 ceded to the Venetians after it was conquered by Skanderbeg. In 1474 the Ottomans conquered and partly destroyed the town of Danja and its fortifications.