Draft:Albania under the Hohenstaufen: Difference between revisions

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Abania under the Hohenstaufen was a period in the History of Albania that lasted from 1258–1267, when Albania came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen of Sicily. Its ruler, Manfred Hohenstaufen, controlled Albania from his seat in Durazzo.

Despite earlier Hohenstaufen Kings of Sicily claiming the lands of Albania, these aspirations would only be achieved by Manfred after his campaign against the Empire of Nicea between 1257-1258 which brought about his capture of Durazzo, Vlorë, Spinarica and Berat. After an alliance with the Despotate of Epirus, his dominions would also include Himarë, Sopot, Butrint and Corfu. Despite the weakening of his state after the Battle of Pelagonia and the Palaiologos campaign on the Albanian coast in 1259, the Hohenstaufen continued their presence in Durazzo and two years later would recapture their lost lands. Hohenstaufen rule lasted until the Battle of Benevento in 1266, after the death of Manfred. This led to both Sicily and the Hohenstaufen dominions in Albania falling to the Angevins.

The Hohenstaufen were a German noble family who rose to rule the Duchy of Swabia in 1079 and the Holy Roman Empire during 1138–1254. After their conflicts with the Welf and their weakening in the German vicinity, the Hohenstaufen would switch their sites towards Sicily, which they would capture with the downfall of the Normans during the late 12th century. Aside from Sicily, another interest for the Hohenstaufen was Albania. Henry VI Hohenstaufen aimed to expand his sphere of influence in the Adriatic Sea. According to historian Niketë Koniati, Henry wished to rule the lands between Durazzo and Thessaloniki. Emperor Frederick II also had ambitions for Albania however they would never be realized.

During the early 13th century, the lands of Albania had been devided between the Despotate of Epirus and the Empire of Nicea. The Nicene had further established their influence in the area after a campaign in Macedonia between 1222–1254.

The Hohenstaufen would only achieve their aspirations in Albania under the rule of Manfred Hohenstaufen. Taking advantage of the revolt of the Despotate of Epirus commanded by Despot Michael II Komnenos Doukas against the Nicene during the winter of 1257, Manfred together with his admiral Philip Cinardi, led an expedition in Albania. Backed-up by Albanian nobility, he landed and captured Durazzo. Afterwards he would capture most of the Albanian coast, including Vlorë and Spinarica. Finally, he would lead a campaign in the Albanian inland, capturing Berat. Despite being in Epirote land, these cities were still under Nicene jurisdiction, however neither side had full administration over them, due to an Albanian revolt earlier that year. Micheal II, viewing Manfred as a worthy opponent offered his daughter Helena‘s hand in marriage. After accepting, Manfred aslo recieved Corfu, Himarë, Butrint and Sopot as dowry.