The Rise of a National Hero

In the rugged mountains of 15th-century Albania, a warrior-king emerged to defy the might of the Ottoman Empire. George Kastrioti, better known as Skanderbeg, would lead his people in an epic struggle for independence, fighting 25 battles against the Ottomans with only a single defeat. His defiance earned him the title “Albania’s Alexander the Great,” and his legacy remains a cornerstone of Albanian identity.

The Fragmented Land: Albania Before Skanderbeg

Before Skanderbeg’s rise, Albania was a fractured land, repeatedly conquered and divided by foreign powers. From the Illyrians and Romans to the Byzantines and Serbs, Albania had long been a battleground for empires. By the early 15th century, the Ottoman Empire had begun its relentless expansion into the Balkans, swallowing up small principalities one by one.

Albania’s nobility, divided among rival clans, struggled to resist. The Kastrioti family, to which Skanderbeg belonged, was one of many regional powers vying for influence. But unlike others, Skanderbeg would unite the clans under a single banner—the black double-headed eagle, a symbol still emblazoned on Albania’s flag today.

From Ottoman Soldier to Albanian Rebel

Skanderbeg’s story begins with betrayal and redemption. As a child, he was taken as a hostage by the Ottomans under the devshirme system, which recruited Christian boys to serve the Sultan. Renamed Iskander (after Alexander the Great), he rose through Ottoman ranks, earning the title “Bey” (lord) for his military prowess.

Yet in 1443, during the Battle of Niš, Skanderbeg abandoned the Ottomans, leading 300 Albanian soldiers in a daring escape. He seized Krujë, his ancestral fortress, and declared rebellion. His famous oath at Lezhë in 1444 rallied Albania’s nobles:

> “If our chronicles do not lie, then we are rebels. Know that on this land, our ancestors fought the Romans. Silence is shame—rising is our glory!”

The Unbreakable Defense: The Siege of Krujë

Skanderbeg’s most legendary stand came in 1450, when Sultan Murad II led 100,000 troops against Krujë. With only 8,000 men, Skanderbeg employed guerrilla tactics, night raids, and psychological warfare. The Ottomans, despite their massive cannons, failed to breach Krujë’s walls. After six months, Murad withdrew, having lost 20,000 men—a humiliating defeat.

The Battle of Albulena: A Masterstroke

In 1457, Skanderbeg faced another Ottoman invasion led by Isa Bey Evrenoz. Feigning retreat, he lured the enemy into a trap at Albulena, where his forces ambushed and annihilated the Ottomans. This victory cemented his reputation as an undefeatable commander.

The Italian Campaign: A Warrior Abroad

Even in Italy, Skanderbeg’s legend grew. In 1460, he answered Pope Pius II’s call to aid Ferdinand I of Naples against rival claimants. His light cavalry tactics outmaneuvered larger armies, securing Ferdinand’s throne. The Neapolitans hailed him as a savior, naming a fortress “Castel Skanderbeg” in his honor.

The Final Years and Lasting Legacy

Skanderbeg died in 1468, likely from malaria. His death left Albania vulnerable, and within a decade, the Ottomans conquered the land. Yet his resistance had delayed Ottoman expansion into Europe by decades, buying time for Christendom.

Today, Skanderbeg is Albania’s national hero. His statue stands in Tirana, his name graces streets and stadiums, and his defiance remains a symbol of resistance against oppression. Alongside Vlad the Impaler and John Hunyadi, he is remembered as one of the greatest defenders of medieval Europe.

Why Skanderbeg Still Matters

– Military Genius: His tactics inspired future guerrilla leaders.
– National Identity: He unified Albania’s clans against a common foe.
– Cultural Icon: His legend lives in Albanian art, literature, and folklore.

Skanderbeg’s story is more than history—it is a testament to the power of courage, strategy, and unyielding defiance.