Albania under the Hohenstaufen

Albania under the Hohenstaufen
Hohenstaufen Albania
1258–1267
Map of Albania under Hohenstaufen rule
CapitalDurrës
Common languagesLatin, Italian, Albanian, Greek
Religion
Christianity (Roman Catholicism (state), Eastern Orthodox
DemonymAlbanian
GovernmentMonarchy
• King
Manfred, King of Sicily
Commander & Governor 
• 1258-1267
Philip Cinardi
History 
• Capture of Durrës
1258
• War with Nicea
1259–1261
• Death of Manfred at the Battle of Benevento
1267
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Despotate of Epirus
Kingdom of Albania (medieval)
Today part ofAlbania
Greece

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

Seal of King Manfred