Despotate of Arta
Encyclopedia
The Despotate of Arta was a despotate established by Albanian
rulers during the 14th century, when Albanian tribes moved into Epirus
and founded two short-lived principalities
there. The Despotate of Arta was created after the defeat of the local Despot Nikephoros II Orsini
by the Albania tribesmen in the Battle of Achelous
in 1359 and ceased to exist in 1416, when it passed to Carlo I Tocco
.
, the last despot of Epirus of the Orsini dynasty, fought against the Albanians near river Acheloos
, Aetolia
. The Albanians won the battle
and managed to create two new states in the southern territories of the Despotate of Epirus. Because a number of Albanian lords actively supported the successful Serbian campaign in Thessaly and Epirus, the Serbian Tsar granted them specific regions and offered them the Byzantine title of despotes in order to secure their loyalty.
The two Albanian lead states were: the first with its capital in Arta
was under the Albanian nobleman Peter Losha
, and the second, centered in Angelokastron, was ruled by Gjin Bua Shpata
. After the death of Peter Losha in 1374, the Albanian despotates of Arta and Angelocastron were united under the rule of Despot Gjin Bua Shpata
.
At April 1378 the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller, Juan Fernández de Heredia
set about to take Arta but failed and was captured in battle by Gjin Bua Shpata
. Herendia was sold by Spata to the Ottoman Turks for a huge prize. Thomas II Preljubović
, the Despot of Epirus offered valuable help during the battle, however this alliance didn't last for long.
The territory of this despotate at its greatest extend (1374–1403) was from the Corinth Gulf
to Acheron River
in the North, neighboring with the Principality of Gjirokastër
of Gjon Zenebishti, another state created in the area of the Despotate of Epirus
. The Despotate of Epirus managed to control in this period only the eastern part of Epirus
, with its capital in Ioannina
. During this period the Despot of Epirus Thomas II Preljubović was in an open conflict with Gjin Bue Shpata. In 1375, Gjin Bue Shpata started an offensive in Ioannina
, but he could not invade the city. Although Shpata married with the sister of Thomas II Preljubović
, Helena, their war did not stop.
in 1399, the Despotate of Arta weakened continuously, and Shpata Family was involved in civil war. Among the animosities with the rulers of Ioannina
Gjin’s successor, Muriq Shpata
, had to deal with the intentions of the Venetians
and of Count
Carlo I Tocco
of Cefalonia. Meanwhile Ottoman
incursions were intensified as they were occasionally called by despot Esau de' Buondelmonti
of the Despotate of Epirus
. After the death of de' Buondelmonti in 1411, the throne was offered to his nephew, Carlo I Tocco
. Even though his gain was accompanied by a great loss that the forces of Gjon Zenebishi’s inflicted upon his army, he would later subject the leaders of southern Albania. In spite of Muriq Shpata
`s victory over Carlo in 1412, the Albanians failed to take Ioannina. On the contrary, not long after killing Muriq Shpata
in battle in 1415, Carlo advanced on Arta. In 1416, he defeated Jakub Bua Shpata and conquered Arta thus annexing the Despotate.
Albanians
Albanians are a nation and ethnic group native to Albania and neighbouring countries. They speak the Albanian language. More than half of all Albanians live in Albania and Kosovo...
rulers during the 14th century, when Albanian tribes moved into Epirus
Epirus
The name Epirus, from the Greek "Ήπειρος" meaning continent may refer to:-Geographical:* Epirus - a historical and geographical region of the southwestern Balkans, straddling modern Greece and Albania...
and founded two short-lived principalities
Albanian Principalities
The term Albanian Principalities refers to a number of principalities created in the Middle Ages in Albania and Epirus that were ruled by Albanian noblemen...
there. The Despotate of Arta was created after the defeat of the local Despot Nikephoros II Orsini
Nikephoros II Orsini
Nikephoros II Orsini - Doukas , was the ruler of Epirus from 1335 to 1338 and from 1356 until his death in 1359.-Life:...
by the Albania tribesmen in the Battle of Achelous
Battle of Achelous (1359)
The Battle of Achelous took place in 1359 near the river Achelous, in Aetolia, modern Greece fought between Albanian troops, under Peter Losha, and forces of the Despotate of Epirus, under Nikephoros II Orsini. The Albanians defeated Orsini's army, which suffered massive casualties during the battle...
in 1359 and ceased to exist in 1416, when it passed to Carlo I Tocco
Carlo I Tocco
Carlo I Tocco was the ruler of Epirus from 1411 until his death on July 4, 1429.-Life:Carlo I was the son of Count Leonardo I Tocco of Cephalonia and Leukas by Maddalena de' Buondelmonti, sister of Esau de' Buondelmonti of Epirus...
.
Creation
In the late spring of 1359, Nikephoros II OrsiniNikephoros II Orsini
Nikephoros II Orsini - Doukas , was the ruler of Epirus from 1335 to 1338 and from 1356 until his death in 1359.-Life:...
, the last despot of Epirus of the Orsini dynasty, fought against the Albanians near river Acheloos
Acheloos
Acheloos may refer to:* Acheloos River, in Greece* Achelous, a river deity in Greek mythology* Acheloos , a municipality in the Karditsa prefecture, Greece...
, Aetolia
Aetolia
Aetolia is a mountainous region of Greece on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth, forming the eastern part of the modern prefecture of Aetolia-Acarnania.-Geography:...
. The Albanians won the battle
Battle of Achelous (1359)
The Battle of Achelous took place in 1359 near the river Achelous, in Aetolia, modern Greece fought between Albanian troops, under Peter Losha, and forces of the Despotate of Epirus, under Nikephoros II Orsini. The Albanians defeated Orsini's army, which suffered massive casualties during the battle...
and managed to create two new states in the southern territories of the Despotate of Epirus. Because a number of Albanian lords actively supported the successful Serbian campaign in Thessaly and Epirus, the Serbian Tsar granted them specific regions and offered them the Byzantine title of despotes in order to secure their loyalty.
The two Albanian lead states were: the first with its capital in Arta
Arta, Greece
Arta is a city with a rich history in northwestern Greece, capital of the peripheral unit of Arta, which is part of Epirus region. The city was known in ancient times as Ambracia . Arta is famous for its old bridge located over the Arachthos River, situated west of downtown...
was under the Albanian nobleman Peter Losha
Peter Losha
Peter Losha was a 14th-century Albanian despot of Despotate of Arta from 1359 to his death in 1374 under Simeon Uroš.In 1346-1348 Epirus became a part of the Serbian Empire and Albanian tribes were defeated by Stefan Dushan....
, and the second, centered in Angelokastron, was ruled by Gjin Bua Shpata
Gjin Bua Shpata
Gjin Bua Shpata , also known as John Bua Spata, was an Albanian ruler of the Despotate of Arta. He was part of the noble Shpata family...
. After the death of Peter Losha in 1374, the Albanian despotates of Arta and Angelocastron were united under the rule of Despot Gjin Bua Shpata
Gjin Bua Shpata
Gjin Bua Shpata , also known as John Bua Spata, was an Albanian ruler of the Despotate of Arta. He was part of the noble Shpata family...
.
At April 1378 the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller, Juan Fernández de Heredia
Juan Fernández de Heredia
Juan Fernández de Heredia was the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller from 24 September 1377 to his death. His tenure was occupied by the "affair of Achaea." He was also a great patron of the translation and composition of historiographical works in the Aragonese language and a counsellor to...
set about to take Arta but failed and was captured in battle by Gjin Bua Shpata
Gjin Bua Shpata
Gjin Bua Shpata , also known as John Bua Spata, was an Albanian ruler of the Despotate of Arta. He was part of the noble Shpata family...
. Herendia was sold by Spata to the Ottoman Turks for a huge prize. Thomas II Preljubović
Thomas II Preljubovic
Thomas II Preljubović or Komnenos Palaiologos , was ruler of Epirus in Ioannina from 1366 to his death on December 23, 1384. He also held the title of Albanian-slayer .-Family:...
, the Despot of Epirus offered valuable help during the battle, however this alliance didn't last for long.
The territory of this despotate at its greatest extend (1374–1403) was from the Corinth Gulf
Gulf of Corinth
The Gulf of Corinth or the Corinthian Gulf is a deep inlet of the Ionian Sea separating the Peloponnese from western mainland Greece...
to Acheron River
Acheron River
The Acheron River is a river in the South Island of New Zealand, in Marlborough and flows into the Clarence River. It flows southwest and then east for a total of 60 kilometres, joining the Clarence at the southern end of the Inland Kaikoura mountains....
in the North, neighboring with the Principality of Gjirokastër
Principality of Gjirokastër
The Principality of Gjirokastër was an Albanian principality created by Gjon Zenebishi in 1386, encompassing the area around Gjirokastër...
of Gjon Zenebishti, another state created in the area of the Despotate of Epirus
Despotate of Epirus
The Despotate or Principality of Epirus was one of the Byzantine Greek successor states of the Byzantine Empire that emerged in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade in 1204. It claimed to be the legitimate successor of the Byzantine Empire, along with the Empire of Nicaea, and the Empire of Trebizond...
. The Despotate of Epirus managed to control in this period only the eastern part of Epirus
Epirus
The name Epirus, from the Greek "Ήπειρος" meaning continent may refer to:-Geographical:* Epirus - a historical and geographical region of the southwestern Balkans, straddling modern Greece and Albania...
, with its capital in Ioannina
Ioannina
Ioannina , often called Jannena within Greece, is the largest city of Epirus, north-western Greece, with a population of 70,203 . It lies at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level, on the western shore of lake Pamvotis . It is located within the Ioannina municipality, and is the...
. During this period the Despot of Epirus Thomas II Preljubović was in an open conflict with Gjin Bue Shpata. In 1375, Gjin Bue Shpata started an offensive in Ioannina
Ioannina
Ioannina , often called Jannena within Greece, is the largest city of Epirus, north-western Greece, with a population of 70,203 . It lies at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level, on the western shore of lake Pamvotis . It is located within the Ioannina municipality, and is the...
, but he could not invade the city. Although Shpata married with the sister of Thomas II Preljubović
Thomas II Preljubovic
Thomas II Preljubović or Komnenos Palaiologos , was ruler of Epirus in Ioannina from 1366 to his death on December 23, 1384. He also held the title of Albanian-slayer .-Family:...
, Helena, their war did not stop.
Fall of the Despotate
After the death of Gjin Bua ShpataGjin Bua Shpata
Gjin Bua Shpata , also known as John Bua Spata, was an Albanian ruler of the Despotate of Arta. He was part of the noble Shpata family...
in 1399, the Despotate of Arta weakened continuously, and Shpata Family was involved in civil war. Among the animosities with the rulers of Ioannina
Ioannina
Ioannina , often called Jannena within Greece, is the largest city of Epirus, north-western Greece, with a population of 70,203 . It lies at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level, on the western shore of lake Pamvotis . It is located within the Ioannina municipality, and is the...
Gjin’s successor, Muriq Shpata
Muriq Shpata
Muriq Shpata was the despot of Despotate of Arta after the death of his brother, Gjin Bua Shpata. Muriq Shpata served as the head of the Despotate until his death in 1415, where he was killed in a battle. Muriq was succeeded by his vigorous brother Jakub Bua Shpata -References:...
, had to deal with the intentions of the Venetians
Republic of Venice
The Republic of Venice or Venetian Republic was a state originating from the city of Venice in Northeastern Italy. It existed for over a millennium, from the late 7th century until 1797. It was formally known as the Most Serene Republic of Venice and is often referred to as La Serenissima, in...
and of Count
Count
A count or countess is an aristocratic nobleman in European countries. The word count came into English from the French comte, itself from Latin comes—in its accusative comitem—meaning "companion", and later "companion of the emperor, delegate of the emperor". The adjective form of the word is...
Carlo I Tocco
Carlo I Tocco
Carlo I Tocco was the ruler of Epirus from 1411 until his death on July 4, 1429.-Life:Carlo I was the son of Count Leonardo I Tocco of Cephalonia and Leukas by Maddalena de' Buondelmonti, sister of Esau de' Buondelmonti of Epirus...
of Cefalonia. Meanwhile Ottoman
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
incursions were intensified as they were occasionally called by despot Esau de' Buondelmonti
Esau de' Buondelmonti
Esau de' Buondelmonti, ruler of Epirus in Ioannina from 1385 to his death in 1411.Esau was the son of the Florentine nobleman Manente Buondelmonti and Lapa Acciaiuoli, sister of Niccolò Acciaiuoli of Corinth and the grandson of the great Χρηστόφορxοςστασία XXIV...
of the Despotate of Epirus
Despotate of Epirus
The Despotate or Principality of Epirus was one of the Byzantine Greek successor states of the Byzantine Empire that emerged in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade in 1204. It claimed to be the legitimate successor of the Byzantine Empire, along with the Empire of Nicaea, and the Empire of Trebizond...
. After the death of de' Buondelmonti in 1411, the throne was offered to his nephew, Carlo I Tocco
Carlo I Tocco
Carlo I Tocco was the ruler of Epirus from 1411 until his death on July 4, 1429.-Life:Carlo I was the son of Count Leonardo I Tocco of Cephalonia and Leukas by Maddalena de' Buondelmonti, sister of Esau de' Buondelmonti of Epirus...
. Even though his gain was accompanied by a great loss that the forces of Gjon Zenebishi’s inflicted upon his army, he would later subject the leaders of southern Albania. In spite of Muriq Shpata
Muriq Shpata
Muriq Shpata was the despot of Despotate of Arta after the death of his brother, Gjin Bua Shpata. Muriq Shpata served as the head of the Despotate until his death in 1415, where he was killed in a battle. Muriq was succeeded by his vigorous brother Jakub Bua Shpata -References:...
`s victory over Carlo in 1412, the Albanians failed to take Ioannina. On the contrary, not long after killing Muriq Shpata
Muriq Shpata
Muriq Shpata was the despot of Despotate of Arta after the death of his brother, Gjin Bua Shpata. Muriq Shpata served as the head of the Despotate until his death in 1415, where he was killed in a battle. Muriq was succeeded by his vigorous brother Jakub Bua Shpata -References:...
in battle in 1415, Carlo advanced on Arta. In 1416, he defeated Jakub Bua Shpata and conquered Arta thus annexing the Despotate.
Local legacy
The city of Arta was relatively unknown during the period of the Albanian rule (1358–1416). The Albanian leaders, not used to live in cities, as mountaineers, acquired legally Byzantine titles and tried to adopt Byzantine state structure. Although no architectural activity had been reported on this period, little seem to had changed in Arta and Albanian and Greek population coexisted peacefully in the city.Shpata Dynasty
- Gjin Bua ShpataGjin Bua ShpataGjin Bua Shpata , also known as John Bua Spata, was an Albanian ruler of the Despotate of Arta. He was part of the noble Shpata family...
- Sguro Bua Shpata
- Muriq Bua Shpata
- Jakub Bua Shpata