Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg

1405 – 1468

Leader
Lord of Albania

Gjergj Kastrioti, widely known as Skanderbeg, was a prince of the noble Kastrioti family and an Arbëresh military leader. He first served the Ottoman Empire, then led the League of Lezhë against it. After his death he became a symbol of resistance across Europe.

Sinë, Dibër

Born: 1405Sinë, Dibër (one of several theories)
Died: 17 January 1468Lezhë
Active years: 1443 – 1468
Role: Military leader and prince
Affiliation: League of Lezhë
Title: Lord of AlbaniaLatin: Dominus Albaniae
Known as: Skënderbeu, Dragon of ArbënOttomans called him İskender bey

Why He Matters

Unifier of Arbëria's princes
He united the divided princes of Arbëria in the League of Lezhë, which became a political and military alliance with him as its head.
Defender of Europe
His resistance halted the Ottoman advance for a long time, and Europeans chose him as a symbol of resistance to the empire.
Enduring cultural legacy
Barleti's History of Skanderbeg and many works of art, literature and music kept him alive, and the National Renaissance leaned on him.

Key Moments

1415
Sent to the Ottoman court
He was sent as a hostage to Edirne and later trained in the Enderun at the court of Murad II.
1443
Liberation of Krujë
After the Ottoman defeat by Hunyadi's forces, he returned home, freed Krujë and raised the Kastrioti flag.
1444
League of Lezhë founded
He gathered the nobles at Lezhë, where the alliance was formed and he was chosen as its head.
1450
Siege of Krujë
Sultan Murad II besieged Krujë but ended the campaign after several months without success.
1466
Mehmed II besieges Krujë
The sultan led the whole Ottoman army against Krujë and left Ballaban Pasha to continue the siege.
17 Jan 1468
Death in Lezhë
He fell ill during an assembly of Arbëresh princes and died, and was buried in the Cathedral of St Nicholas in Lezhë.