Gjergj Arianiti
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| Gjergj Arianiti | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince of Arianiti | |||||
 Modern bust of Gjergj Arianit located inKrujë | |||||
| Born | 1383 Principality of Arianiti | ||||
| Died | 1462 | ||||
| Spouses | Maria Muzaka Pietrina Francone | ||||
| Issue | Andronika, Queen of Albania Goisava, Princess of Zeta Chiranna, Lady of Ducagini Helena, Lady of Ducagini Despina, Lady of Ducagini Angjelina Arianiti Comita, Lady of Misia Catherine, Lady of Drivasto Theodora Arianiti Maria, Lady of Cerveteri and Viano Thomas Comnino Arianiti Constantine Arianiti, Prince of Macedonia Arianitto Arianiti See family-section | ||||
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| House | Arianiti | ||||
| Father | Comnino Arianiti | ||||
| Mother | daughter of Nicholas Zaharia | ||||
| Religion | Eastern Orthodoxy | ||||
| Occupation | 1423–27 hostage atOttomancourt 1431–35: Leader of therevolt against Ottomans[1] 1444-50, 1456-1462: Member of theLeague of Lezhë 1451-before 1456:Neapolitanally | ||||
Gjergj Arianiti(1383–1462) was an Albanian feudal lord who led several successful campaigns against theOttoman Empire.He was the father ofDonika,Skanderbeg'swife, as well as the grand-uncle ofMoisi Arianit Golemi.Gjergj Arianiti was Skanderbeg's ally within theLeague of Lezhëbefore abandoning the alliance after the defeat in Berat in 1450. He later returned.[2]Robert Elsieemphasizes that Arianiti was often Skanderbeg's rival. He allied with theKingdom of Naplesin 1446, left his alliance with Skanderbeg by 1449 and allied withVenicein 1456. However, his daughter married Skanderbeg and he remained officially part of the League of Lezhe, continuing to fight Ottomans successfully up to his death in 1462.[3]
Name
[edit]His name is most commonly known in the Albanian form,Gjergj Arianiti.In English, it is usually rendered as George Arianiti.[4][5]
In correspondence with Slavic chancelleries, his name appears in the Slavic form as "Golem Arianit Komnenovic" (Golemi Arenit Cominovich),[6][7]and a 1452 document referring to him as "Golemi Arenit Comninovich de Albania".[8]Another form of his surname,Haryanites,was used in a French document of theCharles VIIera.[6]
Origin and early life
[edit]
Gjergj Arianitis' father wasKomnen Arianiti,whose domains were in the vicinity ofDurrës(in partibus Durrachii).[9]According toFranz Babingerand Lindsay L. Brook, Arianiti's mother was certainly a daughter of Nicolò Sevati;[10]while according toDhimitër Shuteriqishe was a daughter ofNikollë Zaharia.Gjergj was the oldest of three sons, his two brothers being Muzaka and Vladan.[9]
He marriedMaria Muzaka,acquiring a territory fromMallakastrato south ofVlorë.His territories eventually reached northwards toDebarand later were expanded toMonastir.The center of his lands was located betweenLibrazhdandElbasan.After 1423 he fell under Ottoman political influence and probably resided at the sultan's palace as hostage to secure loyalty of his tribesmen. In 1427 he returned to Albania to govern his lands.[1]
Campaigns against the Ottoman Empire
[edit]Revolt of 1432–36
[edit]
The Ottoman conquest of certain parts of southern Albania brought Ottoman legal, political, and economic systems into the country, influencing all nobles and threatening to destroy the feudal system and autonomy of the nobles. These reforms took away much of Gjergj's power, but he remained a ruler of his lands, even though as a vassal of the Sultan. These drastic changes encouraged revolts against the Ottomans, of which Gjergj Arianiti was one of the main leaders.
In the spring of 1432, after the first phase of the reforms ended, anAlbanian revolterupted which spread to much of Albania. The first revolts began in central Albania whenAndrea Thopiarevolted against Ottoman rule and defeated a small Ottoman unit in the mountains of central Albania. His victory inspired other chieftains to revolt, especially Arianiti. Gjergj was at first apprehensive, but saw an opportunity to save the dominions left to him by his father. Upon hearing of the rebellions, many Albanian political enemies of Gjergj, who had becomesipahireturned fromEdirneto Albania. Upon reaching Albania, Gjergj immediately banished them. He was to lead the armed rebellion, which was started by the peasants.Durrës,the Tirana region, andNicholas Dukagjiniin the north joined the revolt. AlthoughSkanderbegwas summoned home by his relatives when Gjergj Arianiti and other chiefs from the region betweenVlorëandShkodërhad organized the rebellion, Skanderbeg did nothing, remaining loyal to the Sultan.[4]The Porte responded by sending an army of fresh troops in Albania under experienced commanders. Dagno in northern Albania fell, while the Thopias were returned to their former state. After a strong counterattack by Arianiti, the Ottomans were soon defeated. This victory strengthened the revolt in southern Albania, especially in Kurvelesh.Murad IIheaded for Albania and chose to camp at Serez[where?]inMacedonia,from where he sent out a force of 10,000 into Albania underAli Beg.The army of Ali Beg, in the winter of 1432–33, went through the tight valleys of theShkumbin;near Buzurshekut (Bërzeshtës), the Albanians ambushed the Ottoman army. Arianiti observed and maneuvered against the Ottomans while also encouraging his men, eventually leading to an Ottoman rout. This victory further strengthened the Albanian cause and gave hope to the Europeans who feared a major Ottoman invasion. The Byzantine chronicler,Chalcondyles,wrote: "In this battle, Arianit Komneni won a glorious victory."With these victories Gjergj Arianiti expanded his domains up to the city ofManastir.
Arianit used the classic tactic of "Pulling the enemy in, preparing the trap and striking suddenly."Arianiti also destroyed a second army sent by Ali Beg, leaving hundreds dead in the valleys of Kuç all the way to Borsh. The failure of the second Ottoman expedition became known throughout Europe, which was used to hearing about Christian defeats in the East. The joyful states of Europe – PopeEugene IV,Alfonso V,EmperorSigsimund,VeniceandRagusa– promised aid. In his third battle (1434), in order to recapture Vlorë and Kanina, Arianiti used numbers, expediency and his tactics. Arianiti was known as the "protector of freedom" throughout the European kingdoms. During the Ottoman campaigns of 1435 and 1436Ali Beg,together withTurakhan Beg,effected a partial submission of the Albanians, Arianiti retreated to the area ofSkrapariand Tomorica, where he continued his war against the Ottoman Empire.Murad IIfelt compelled to tacitly grant him the area betweenShkumbinand south ofVjosariver as his dominions and have a truce with him.
1443–44
[edit]In August 1443 Arianiti again rebelled against Ottomans, probably urged by popeEugene IVor instigated by the news of defeat ofSihàb ed-Dîn Pasa.[11]During the fall of 1443 and the winter of 1444 he led an army deep intoMacedonia.[clarification needed]During the same time, the Ottomans were routed atNišandSkanderbegdeserted the Ottoman army and began another rebellion. Skanderbeg eventually allied with Gjergj Arianit and some other nobles from Albania and Zeta through theLeague of Lezhë.In May–July 1435 Bulgarian princeFruzhinvisited Albania and meat Arianiti the leaders of the revolt, on a secret diplomat mission of emperorSigismund.
1449–51
[edit]At the beginning of 1449, Skanderbeg and Arianiti approached the Venetians requesting their protection from the Ottomans. Venice opted for neutral approach, not to jeopardize peace with Ottomans, and refused their request.[12]By 1449 Gjergj Arianiti left his alliance with Skanderbeg.[3]
WhenKrujë was besiegedby the Ottomans, the sixty-seven-year-old Gjergj Arianiti joined the battle and fought fiercely. Along with 3,000 warriors, he joined the anti-Venetian force which eventually defeated the Venetian armyat Drin.He was one of the main commanders during the short siege of Durrës and the siege of Dagno. Some of his troops went as far as the gates ofShkodër.Thus, his interests were not harmed by Venice, who wished to incorporate the bay of Vlorë into its dominions.
Arianiti supported the recapture of Svetigrad with 4,000 men. During the two main engagements of the siege, Arianiti showed great bravery. During the siege, his brother was killed. The experience of Arianiti convinced Skanderbeg to marry Donika, Arianiti's daughter. The strong connections between the Kastrioti and Arianiti families were of great benefit to the Albanian cause.
In 1451 afterAlfonsosigned theTreaty of GaetawithSkanderbeg,he signed similar treaties with Gjergj Arianiti and other chieftains from Albania: Ghin Musachi,George Strez Balšić,Peter Spani,Pal III Dukagjini,[13]Thopia Musachi, Peter of Himara,Simon Zenevisiand Carlo Tocco.
1460–62
[edit]He brought together his last resistance force between 1460 and 1462. In an open front,Mehmet IIordered movements into Albania to engage a group of Arianiti's warriors. He then surrounded Gjergj Arianiti by moving through the valley of Furka all the way through Shushicë. Fierce engagements began, but Sopoti was not captured and the Ottoman encirclement failed. The people compared Gjergj Arianiti to Skanderbeg. To celebrate this victory, the army was taken to Galigat after the Ottomans had fully left Albania. However, when the Ottomans heard of this, they traveled back to Albania at night. The fortress of Sopot, left with a garrison chosen by Arianiti, still could not be taken. Only through bribery and treachery was it possible for the castle be taken. The Ottoman commander took advantage of Arianiti's absence by launching a large attack with his main army. The Ottomans soon entered the castle, and in revenge for the defeats they had suffered, the entire population was massacred.[clarification needed]
Possessions
[edit]
Arianiti was the only Albanian leader to have two capitals: one near the coast in Kanina, and another near the eastern mountains in Sopot. His dominions acted as the first defense against many of the Ottoman expeditions and served as one of the main centers of the League of Lezhë. The union between the Kastrioti and Arianiti did not have much effect due to the exposed territories of Arianiti.
Family
[edit]His first marriage was toMaria Muzaka,daughter ofAndrea III MuzakaandAnna Chiranna Zenevisi,[14]with whom he had eight daughters. After her death, Gjergj Arianiti married Lady Pietrina Francone, daughter of the Italian noble Oliver Francone. The couple had five more children.
From his first marriage (c.1420s–1440s) withMaria Muzaka,Arianiti had the following issue:
- Andronika,more commonly known by the nickname Donika, marriedSkanderbeg, Lord of Albania[15]in 1448. She is traditionally regarded as Albania's first Queen Consort. Such title, however, would officially be held only byGéraldine Apponyi de NagyduringZog I'sreign. Donika and Skanderbeg had one son,John Castriot II,Duke of San Pietro in Galatina,who marriedPrincess Irene Brankovich,the daughter of Serbian DespotLazar Branković.[16]
- Goisava (or Voisava), Lady of Zeta marriedIvan I of Zetawith whom she had two sons,GeorgeandStanislaus of Zeta.
- Chiranna, marriedNicholas Pal Dukagjini.At the time of her marriage she was 14 or 15 years old, while the groom might have been between 14 and 20 years of age.[17]The couple had one son who survived into adulthood, Progon Dukagjini.
- Helena, was the wife of George III Dukagjini. Many of the couple's children, such as Nicholas III, allied with the Ottomans later in life. Another son, named Scanderbeg is mentioned in Gjon Muzaka's Chronicles to have been still alive by 1515, ruling as a Sanjakbey.[16]
- Despina, was married to Lord Tanush IV Dukagjini. They had two children: a son that died young and a daughter, Theodora. The latter's sons were the Lords Blaise and Jacob.
- Angjelina,who marriedStephen, Despot of Serbia,son of DespotĐurađ Brankovich.Angjelina and Stephen had two sons and one daughter. Their eldest sonGeorge Brankovichwas the titularDespot of Serbiafrom 1486 until his monastic vows in 1496. Angjelina's only daughterPrincess Maria of Serbia,marriedBoniface III, Marquis of Montferrat,with whom she had:William IX, Marquis of MontferratandJohn George, Marquis of Montferrat.Angjelina is venerated as saint by Ortodox Church.
- Komita (or Komnina), marriedGoico Balsha, Lord of Misia.[18]The couple had two sons, who died in Hungary.[16]Their daughter Lady Maria Balsha married Jacopo Alfonso Mazzeo-Ferillo, Count of Muro with whom she had two daughters. The first daughter Lady Beatrice marriedPrince Ferdinand Orsino, Duke of Gravina,while the other, Lady Isabella marriedLouis of Gesualdo, Count of Conza.[16]
- Catherine, after the death of her first husbandAndrew SpanimarriedNiccolò Boccali,a nobleman from Venice who held the title of Baron in Morea. The couple's children were Lord Manoli Boccali, Lord Constantine Boccali and Lady Maria who married Giacomo de Pagnanin. Moreover, John Muzaka mentions further unnamed daughters married to Hungerian noblemen.[16]
From Gjergj Arianiti's second marriage toPietrina Francone(c.1440s) the following children were born:
- Theodora Arianiti
- Maria, married to Bartolomeo Giuppo della Rovere (1474–1545) from the Geonese nobleDella Roverefamily. They had a son,Francesco della Rovere,who initially became Bishop of Camerino (1508), Voltera (1514) and finally Archbishop of Benevento (1530–1545).[19]
- Thomas Arianiti
- Constantine,who became a leader among Christian Balkan refugees in Italy and used the titles Prince of Macedonia, Duke of Achea and Despot of Morea. In the early 16th century, Constantine served as a diplomat to the popes and the futureMaximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor,with both parties finding him a talented ambassador. In 1489 he marriedLady Francesca of Montferrat,member of thePalaeologus-Montferratfamily, branch of the Byzantine ImperialPalaiologosdynasty, and a step-daughter to his nieceMaria of Serbia.From 1495 to 1499 he became regent of Montferrat, on behalf of the youngWilliam IX,his brother-in law and grand-nephew. With Francesca, Constantine had the following children:
- Arianitto, Prince of Macedonia
- Andronica, married toCarlo III Toccothen after his death to Giorgio Secco, a milanese nobleman.
- Penthesilea, married to Alexander Ducagjini
- Ippolita, married toZanobio de' Mediciof the Italian Medici family. She remarried in 1532 to Lionello Pio di Carpi of thePio di Savoia family.
- Polissena, married Rinaldo degli Ottoni di Matelica.
- Deianira, married Giorgio Trivulzio.
- Elena, married Juan de Luna, a castillian nobleman.
- Lord Arianitto Arianiti
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^abJefferson, John (2012).The Holy Wars of King Wladislas and Sultan Murad: The Ottoman-Christian Conflict from 1438–1444.BRILL. p. 109.ISBN978-90-04-21904-5.
- ^Pipa, Arshi (1978).Albanian literature: social perspectives.R. Trofenik. p. 49.ISBN978-3-87828-106-1.Retrieved17 February2012.
AryanitesComnenius, Scanderbeg's father-in- law, was his ally and friend only for a short time. After the battle of Berat, Aryanites abandoned the Albanian league, dealing with Naples and Venice independently until his death in 1461
- ^abRobert Elsie (2012).A Biographical Dictionary of Albanian History.I.B.Tauris. p. 17.ISBN978-1-78076-431-3.Retrieved9 June2013.
- ^abFine 1994,p. 535. In 1432 Andrew Thopia revolted against his Ottoman overlords... inspired other Albanian chiefs, in particular George Arianite (Arianiti)... The revolt spread... from region of Valona up to Skadar... At this time, though summoned home by his relatives... Skanderbeg did nothing, he remained... loyal to sultan
- ^Noli 1947,p. 10
- ^abStudia Albanica.University of Tirana.1964. p. 143.Retrieved26 May2011.
April 1452 aus Neapel an Skanderbeg gerichtetes Schreiben, das abschriftMch fùnf weiteren Adligen Albaniens, darunter 'Magnifico viro Golemi Arenit Cominovich [...] Auffallend ist hier die slavische Namensform Golem Arianit Komnenovic
- ^Schmitt Oliver Jens, Skandermbeg et les sultans,Turcica,43 (2011) p. 71.
- ^Constantin Marinescu 1994, La politique orientale d'Alfonse V d'Aragón, roi de Naples (1416–1458). Institut d'Estudis Catalans,p. 176
- ^abShuteriqi, Dhimitër (2012). Zana Prela (ed.).Aranitët: Historia- Gjenealogjia-Zotërimet.Toena. p. 97.ISBN978-99943-1-729-5.
- ^Brook, Lindsay L. (1981). "The Byzantine Ancestry of H.R.H. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales".The Genealogist.2.Association for the Promotion of Scholarship in Genealogy: 9.
A secure Arianitai descent can be given for only three generations. – N. ARIANITES KOMNENOS, fl. c.1400,?Lord of Cermenika, m. N.N., daughter of Nicolò Sevati.
- ^Jefferson, John (2012).The Holy Wars of King Wladislas and Sultan Murad: The Ottoman-Christian Conflict from 1438–1444.BRILL. p. 109.ISBN978-90-04-21904-5.
In August of 1443, perhaps at the instigation of Eugene IV, or Sehabeddin's defeat, Arianiti took up arms again.
- ^Bešić, Zarij M. (1970).Istorija Črne Gore, Volume 2, Part 2(in Serbian). Titograd: Redakcija za istoriju Črne Gore. p. 219.Retrieved10 January2014.
Млечани су заузимали неутралан став према догађајима у Албанији да не би изазвали Турке. Одбили су Аријанита и Скен- дербега када су тражили млетачку заштиту,
- ^Noli 1947,p. 49
Later on Alphonse concluded similar treaties with George Aryaniti, Ghin Musachi, George Stresi Balsha, Peter Spani, Paul Ducaghini,...
- ^Robert Elsie (2003).Early Albania.Harrassowitz. p. 42.ISBN978-3-447-04783-8.
- ^Robert Elsie(2001).A dictionary of Albanian religion, mythology and folk culture.C. Hurst.ISBN9781850655701.[page needed]
- ^abcdeBrief Chronicle on the Descendants of our Musachi DynastybyJohn Musachi(1515)"1515 | John Musachi: Brief Chronicle on the Descendants of our Musachi Dynasty".Archived fromthe originalon 2010-09-10.Retrieved2011-11-29.
- ^Aranitët në Librazhd.Albania: Avni Alcani. 2019. pp. 73–74.ISBN978-9928-290-34-2.
- ^Slijepčević 1983, p. 40: "Комнина за Гојка.Балшића"
- ^Aranitët në Librazhd.Albania: Avni Alcani. 2019. p. 83.ISBN978-9928-290-34-2.
Sources
[edit]- Fine, John Van Antwerp (1994).The Late Medieval Balkans: A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest.University of Michigan Press.ISBN978-0-472-08260-5.
- Noli, Fan Stilian (1947).George Castrioti Scanderbeg (1405-1468).International Universities Press.OCLC732882.
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