Albanian-Epirote War of 1359
The Albanian-Epirote War of 1359 was an invasion waged by Albanians led by John Spata and Peter Losha against Nikephoros II Orsini, who at that time was the Ruler of Epirus.[1] During the period of 1358–59, Albanian clans successfully overpowered the local feudal rulers and subsequently formed their own authority led by John Spata and Peter Losha.[1]
| Albanian-Epirote War of 1359 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
|
Despotate of Arta Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto | Despotate of Epirus | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Peter Losha Gjin Bua Shpata | Nikephoros II Orsini † | ||||||||
| Units involved | |||||||||
|
Bua tribe Losha tribe Mazaraki tribe Malakasi tribe | Epirote Army | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| Unknown | Heavy | ||||||||
Prelaude
During the early 14th century, the Despotate of Epirus witnessed a decline in power, while the influence of Albanian tribesmen grew, gradually extending their control over various regions within the despotate.[2] In an effort to establish stronger ties with the Serbian Empire, Nikephoros II Orsini, the Despot of Epirus, made the decision to divorce his former wife, Maria Cantacuzena, and instead marry the sister of Stefan Uroš IV Dušan's widow. This choice, however, faced opposition from the Albanians within the Despotate. The Albanians threatened rebellion if Orsini married Helena of Bulgaria's sister, without recalling Maria, who belonged to the Kantakouzenos family and was an ally to them.[3] Orsini, compelled by the situation, yielded to their demand and recalled Maria. Nonetheless, he resolved to wage war against the Albanians in order to counter their escalating power within the despotate.[2]
Events
Albanian Invasions
In 1358, the Albanians invaded and overran the regions of Epirus, Acarnania, and Aetolia, swiftly capturing control and establishing two principalities under the leadership of John Spata and Peter Losha.[1][4]
Orsini's Campaign against Albanians and the Battle of Achelous
In an effort to counter the invading Albanians, Nikephoros II Orsini initiated a military campaign.[5] Moreover, he had to confront the northern threat posed by Radoslav Hlapen. In order to impede the Albanians in Epirus from receiving support from their Albanian allies, Nikephoros engaged in negotiations with Simeon Uroš.[5] Unfortunately, these negotiations were interrupted by Nikephoros' untimely demise while fighting against the Albanians at Acheloos in 1359.[6]
Aftermath
Following the death of Nikephoros, the remaining significant towns within the Despotate of Epirus faced the imminent risk of falling into the hands of the Albanian forces. As a result, they surrendered to Simeon Uroš, and the remaining territories of the despotate were divided between Simeon and Radoslav Hlapen.[2] Simeon, unable to drive out the Albanian leaders, opted for an indirect approach to maintain control over Epirus. He recognized Peter Losha and John Spata as despots, granting them authority over the regions of Arta and Angelokastron and Lepanto, respectively.[2]
Although a substantial portion of Epirus temporarily came under Albanian rule, the tribal structure and absence of a centralized Albanian state prevented them from replacing existing Greek or Serbian governance. Consequently, by 1366–67, only the city of Ioannina remained beyond Albanian control.[2]
References
- Hammond 1976, p. 59 In 1358 the Albanians overran Epirus, Acarnania and Aetolia, and established two principalities under their leaders, John Spatas (shpatë in Albanian meaning a sword) and Peter Leosas (lios in Albanian meaning a pockmark.
- Fine 1994, p. 348–51.
- Arbel, Benjamin; Hamilton, Bernard; Jacoby, David (1989). Latins and Greeks in the Eastern Mediterranean after 1204. Mediterranean historical review. Vol. 4. Routledge. p. 104. ISBN 0-7146-3372-0.
- Fine, John V. A.; Fine, John Van Antwerp (1994). The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest. University of Michigan Press. ISBN 978-0-472-08260-5.
- Fine 1994, p. 348.
- Fine 1994, pp. 348–349.
Sources
- Hammond, Nicholas (1976). Migrations and invasions in Greece and adjacent areas. Noyes Press. ISBN 9780815550471. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
- Fine, John V. A. Jr. (1994) [1987]. The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Press. ISBN 0-472-08260-4.