The Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, foreign invasion, communism and tribal conflict: these have been the realities of life in Northern Albania for centuries. In this rich and comprehensive history, Tom Winnifrith examines the many different elements that have shaped this independent and little-known region of the Balkans. He explores the fundamental division between the South of Albania and its mysterious, romantic North - more feudal, more tribal, more Catholic and more prone to Austrian and Italian influence. It is also a region less affected by Greece, both ancient and modern, and by medieval Byzantium or the Orthodox faith. Northern Albania, with a terrain and climate much harsher than the south of the country, has traditionally had little respect for law and authority while its inhabitants remain in thrall to an ancient honour code -- the kanun -- demanding blood feuds and terrible revenge. Nobody's Kingdom traces the history of this ruggedly beautiful region, frequently disturbed by both invaders and internal strife yet retaining a distinct national identity and character. From its origins in the ancient kingdom of Illyria and the Roman province of Illyricum, through Byzantine and Ottoman rule, the granting of Albanian independence in 1912, the rise and fall of communism to its current fragile democracy, Northern Albania can be seen as a cultural crossroads - especially remarkable given its mountainous and difficult landscape. This book, both scholarly and readable, is the first modern comprehensive history of Northern Albania and is a timely and accessible introduction to a remote and inaccessible region.

lgrsnf/Nobody's Kingdom [AN 3035703].pdf

T. J Winnifrith

Tom Winnifrith

Signal Books Ltd

United Kingdom and Ireland, United Kingdom

Oxford, 2020

Cover
Contents
Front Matter
Title Page
Publisher Information
Foreword
Nobody’s Kingdom
Divided Country
The Land
The Illyrians, 1200-230 BC
Rome, 230 BC-235 AD
Goths, Slavs And Byzantium, 235-1018
Albanians And Anarchy, 1018-1500
Ottoman Albania, 1501-1912
Independent Albania, 1912-1992
1992 and the Future
Back Matter
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
Appendix IV
Appendix V
Notes
Select Bibliography
Also Available

2024-04-30