History of Albania

Introduction

• Location: Europe
• Significance: Site of ancient human habitation

Early Inhabitants

• 2000s BC: Ancestors of the Greek language speakers
• Illyrians:
  • Not unified, mysterious people
  • Known for attacks into neighboring lands
  • Conquered by Romans due to pirate raids under Queen Teuta

Roman and Byzantine Era

• Roman Empire:
  • Region called Illyricum
  • Produced several Roman emperors
• Byzantine Empire:
  • Suffered invasions from diverse tribes
  • Religious ties to both Eastern and Western Christianity
  • Church split in 1054: North Albania (Catholic), South Albania (Orthodox)

Middle Ages and Ottoman Era

• 1079: "Albanians" mentioned by Michael Ataliatis
• 11th Century: Overrun by Normans
• Independent State: Established by Prince Progon until mid-1200s
• Serbian Rule: Until Serbian empire fell in 1355
• Ottoman Invasion:
  • Skanderbeg: Military leader, united Albanians, resisted Ottomans for 24 years
  • Post-Skanderbeg: Ottoman conquest, many Albanians fled or converted to Islam

Ottoman Period

• Power Positions: Some Albanians rose to power
• Impact: Lagged in Renaissance, scientific, and industrial revolutions

Nationalism and Independence

• Late 19th Century: Rise in nationalism
• 1912: Independence declared by Ismail Kamali
• Post-WWI: Political turbulence, rise of Ahmed Zogu (King Zog)

20th Century: Italian and Communist Rule

• 1939: Italian invasion under Mussolini
• Communist Rise: Enver Hodja's leadership
  • Purges, nationalization, alignment shifts between USSR and China
  • Declared atheist state in 1967
  • Break from China in 1970s

Recent History

• 1990: Communism fell, transition to capitalism
• Current Challenges: Economic struggles, political corruption

Conclusion

• Outlook: Signs of improvement despite past challenges

Discussion: What are your thoughts on Albania's history and progress?