Gjergj Arianiti - Life

Life

Writings of his figure are not very common. He is more commonly referred to as the father of Donika Kastrioti, Skanderbeg's wife, rather than a leader of a rebellion that held back the Ottoman armies for years.

He was a member of the Arianiti family that ruled large areas in Albania and neighbouring areas from the 11th to the 16th century. In 1253, Byzantine chronicles mention a Gulem who ruled the lands of Albanon. Gulemi may be an ascendant of Gjergj Arianiti. Gulemi married a cousin of the Byzantine empress, Irene. From this marriage came the name Komneni.

Gjergj was the oldest of three sons. He married Maria Muzaka, and from this he acquired a territory from Mallakastra to Vlorë. His territories eventually reached northwards to Dibër. The center of his dominions were located between Librazhd and Elbasan.

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