Archive

Tharypas: The Competent King of the Molossians in Epirus

Tharypas was king of the Molossians in Epirus from at least 429 B.C.E. to 385 B.C.E. He was the son of king Admetus (whom he succeeded; the same one who sheltered Themistocles), and Phthia I. The reign of Tharypas marks a long period of alliance between Epirus and Athens, with the additional purpose of checking the rising power of Macedon. […]

Naim Kryeziu: The Iconic Albanian Calciatore

Naim Kryeziu is, no doubt, the best Albanian right winger in history. Kryeziu belongs to the same generation of talented Albanian footballers as Riza Lushta. He played for notable clubs such as SK Tirana (now current KF Tirana; on and off during 1934-1939), A.S. Roma (1939-1947), and S.S.C. Napoli (1947-1953). Early Career Naim Kryeziu was born in the charming town […]

Skënderbeu Stadium: A Welcoming Venue in Korçë  

Skënderbeu Stadium is in the city of Korçë, at Gjergj Kastrioti road, 7001. It belongs to the local team of KF Skënderbeu. The stadium includes a small covered stand, 105×68 meters (344×223 ft.) football pitch made of natural grass, and an athletic track.  Facts from the pre-90s era  Skënderbeu Stadium opened in 1957. The local team achieved its first victory […]

Altin Haxhi: Agile left-back of Albania

Altin Haxhi (1975) is one of the best left-backs to have played for the Albanian team. He started his professional career with KS Luftetari, the biggest club in the southern city of Gjirokastra. Early Career Haxhi grew up as a footballer in the ranks of his hometown team KS Luftetari, then carrying the old name Shqiponja. He joined the youth […]

Arybbas of Epirus: An exiled king honored by Athens

Arybbas was king of the Molossians and Epirus circa 360-350 B.C.E. He was the son of Alcetas I (r. 389-388; 385-370) and brother of Neoptolemus I (r. 370-360). Arybbas was a Molossian (the largest tribe in Epirus) and a member of the royal house of the Aeacidae. He likely co-ruled Epirus or specific regions of it during the reign of […]

Altin Lala: The Energetic Midfielder from Albania

Many consider Altin Lala one of the most consistent footballers to ever play for Albania. Lala possessed all the qualities that make up an excellent defensive midfielder, despite having a short height of only 1.72 meters (5’8). Such traits included abundant energy, remarkable pace, intelligent positioning, confident tackling, decisive interceptions, and even morale-boosting charisma. Early Career Altin Lala was born […]

The Forgotten Medieval Town of Balleza

Balleza (Ballezio) was a medieval Albanian town located near Rrjoll town under Maranaj peak. Rrjoll creek and Gura e Pishkazit creek flow near the site. The only ruins left are rare traces of surrounding walls and a church. Balleza was likely the origin of the famous Albanian noble family of the Balshas. Indeed, the founder of the medieval principality of […]

Sulejman Demollari: Modern Midfielder Of Albania

Sulejman Demollari, also known as Sul Demollari, was born in 1964 in Tirana. He is considered one of the best Albanian football players of the democratic transition period. The talented Albanian midfielder became a football icon of the 90s football generation.   Sulejman Demollari is among the most diverse midfielders to wear the Albanian national jersey. Apart from playing as a […]

Balsha II Balsha: The Rise & Fall of an Ambitious Prince

Balsha II Balsha (r. 1379-1385), was the youngest son of Balsha I (the attested founder of the Albanian principality of Balsha). He succeeded his brother Gjergj I Balsha (George I Balsha, r. 1372-1379) as the ruler of the principality. His other brother, Strazimir I Balsha, had also ruled the principality in 1362-1372. Balsha II called himself “prince of Arbëria”, “faithful […]