principality · Balkans and Hungary

Principality of Albania (medieval)

1358 CE – 1392 CE (approx.) · capital Durrës

Principality of the Thopia family centred on Durrës, a leading Albanian realm of the late 14th century that ended when Durrës passed to Venice.

Origins

Karl Thopia, an Albanian noble claiming Angevin descent through his mother, built up lands between the Mat and Shkumbin rivers. In 1368 he took Durrës from the Angevins, ending the Kingdom of Albania (medieval), and styled himself Prince of Albania.

Rule and society

Karl ruled from Durrës and the inland town of Elbasan, rivalling Zeta under the Balšići and the Muzaka of Berat. He founded the monastery of Shën Gjon Vladimir near Elbasan. Balša II seized Durrës in 1385, and Karl called in the Ottomans, who killed Balša at Savra; Karl recovered the city soon after.

Decline and legacy

Karl died in 1388. His son Gjergj Thopia, weakened by Ottoman pressure, handed Durrës to Venice in 1392, and he died soon after. The remaining Thopia lands later fell under Ottoman control.

Lineage

Kingdom of Albania (medieval) 1272 CE – 1368 CEPrincipality of Albania (medieval)Republic of Venice 697 CE – 1797 CE

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Cite this page
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Principality of Albania (medieval). In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/principality-of-albania-medieval
MLA
“Principality of Albania (medieval).” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/principality-of-albania-medieval. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Principality of Albania (medieval).” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/principality-of-albania-medieval.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Principality of Albania (medieval)’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/principality-of-albania-medieval (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻