So in 1190, the first medieval Albanian "state" known as the principality of Arbanon is formed by Progon of Kruje. At first, this "state" is merely a Byzantine vassal, but after the 4th crusade, it gains full independence with Progon's son, Gjin, as its head. Gjin dies shortly after, in 1208, leaving his younger brother, Dhimitër as the new ruler of Arbanon. Dhimitër proves to be a highly competent ruler, but with his death in 1216, the principality of Arbanon becomes a vassal of the Despotate of Epirus.
So this thread exists so that we can examine a history where Arbanon does not end up like that, but instead, where it blooms and possibly becomes a Balkan power.
So here's the idea, Dhimitër didn't expand much due to the fact that he was surrounded by enemies, such as Serbia and the Despotate of Epirus, both of whom wanted to annex Arbanon, sending his army against one of them would have the other invade into Arbanon, but in 1209, Bulgaria had lost some of its southern territories to the Latin empire and to local aristocrats who rose up against him, If Serbia used that situation to invade Bulgaria, Arbanon could very well have launched a direct invasion into the Despotate of Epirus, which would most likely be successful due to Dhimitërs powerful leadership and due to the fact that Arbanon was a Catholic domain supported by the Pope, Ragusa and by Zeta.
In a Venetian document in 1210, It is mentioned that the peninsula east of Corfu (this peninsula being Epirus) was populated by Albanians, who'd likely support Dhimitër's cause and we can expect Arbanon to possibly even annex the entire Despotate of Epirus in this conflict.
What do you guys think about this so far and how do you believe it would've continued?
I want to hear some of your ideas before continuing this thread!
So this thread exists so that we can examine a history where Arbanon does not end up like that, but instead, where it blooms and possibly becomes a Balkan power.
So here's the idea, Dhimitër didn't expand much due to the fact that he was surrounded by enemies, such as Serbia and the Despotate of Epirus, both of whom wanted to annex Arbanon, sending his army against one of them would have the other invade into Arbanon, but in 1209, Bulgaria had lost some of its southern territories to the Latin empire and to local aristocrats who rose up against him, If Serbia used that situation to invade Bulgaria, Arbanon could very well have launched a direct invasion into the Despotate of Epirus, which would most likely be successful due to Dhimitërs powerful leadership and due to the fact that Arbanon was a Catholic domain supported by the Pope, Ragusa and by Zeta.
In a Venetian document in 1210, It is mentioned that the peninsula east of Corfu (this peninsula being Epirus) was populated by Albanians, who'd likely support Dhimitër's cause and we can expect Arbanon to possibly even annex the entire Despotate of Epirus in this conflict.
What do you guys think about this so far and how do you believe it would've continued?
I want to hear some of your ideas before continuing this thread!
