Comita Muzaka
Comita Muzaka, also known as Komnina, Komnena, Comnina or Komnene was an Albanian princess and member of the Muzaka family. She was a regnant Lady of Vlorë, Berat, Kaninë and Himarë between 1385 and 1396 in succession to her spouse.
Life
Comita was the daughter of Andrea II Muzaka, who held the titles of Despot of Albania and Epirus, as well as Sebastokrator, from the noble Muzaka family. Her mother was Euphemia Mataranga, from the noble Mataranga family. She was the fourth youngest of five siblings, yet the eldest of the two daughters. However, little is known about her early life.She was married to Balsha II of the noble Balsha family in 1372. Andrea II Muzaka granted Balsha II control of Vlorë and Kaninë as part of a dowry following Balsha's marriage to Muzaka's daughter, Komita. This arrangement, made after the death of Alexander Komnenos Asen in 1371, also ensured Balsha's support against mutual enemies like Marko. It's unclear whether Muzaka had already conquered the cities or if Balsha was planning to take them, but the agreement solidified Balsha's claim to the territories through marriage.
Reign
Her husband Balsha II was killed at the Battle of Savra in 1385 where he was beheaded. She subsequently assumed control of the Principality of Vlorë, becoming its primary ruler following the death of her husband, and ruled until her death in 1396.Her daughter Rugjina Balsha married Mrkša Žarković in 1391 and he reigned the Principality of Vlorë in the right of his wife until his death in 1414. Rugjina then ruled from 1414 to 1417 until the Ottomans took control of the territory, where she then fled and took refuge in Corfu.