Kingdom of Albania

The Kingdom of Albania (Latin: Regnum Albaniae) was established by Charles of Anjou as a protectorate of his Kingdom of Sicily in the Albanian territory he conquered from the Despotate of Epirus in 1271. He took the title of "King of Albania" in February 1272. The kingdom extended from the region of Durrës (then known as Dyrrhachium) south along the coast to Butrint. A major attempt to advance further in direction of Constantinople, failed at the Siege of Berat (1280–1281). A Byzantine counteroffensive soon ensued, which drove the Angevins out of the interior by 1281. The Sicilian Vespers further weakened the position of Charles, and the Kingdom was soon reduced by the Epirotes to a small area around Durrës. The Angevins held out here, however, until 1368, when the city was captured by Karl Thopia. In 1392 Karl Thopia's son surrendered the city and his domains to the Republic of Venice.

Famous quotes containing the words kingdom of and/or kingdom:

    Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God.
    Bible: New Testament, Luke 13:29.

    The private life of one man shall be a more illustrious monarchy,—more formidable to its enemy, more sweet and serene in its influence to its friend, than any kingdom in history. For a man, rightly viewed, comprehendeth the particular natures of all men.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)