Principality of Mataranga
The Principality of Mataranga was a short-lived medieval Albanian principality located between the Shkumbin and Seman rivers, in what is today the Myzeqe region of southwestern Albania. Initially under the overlordship of the Serbian Empire, the principality emerged following the empire's decline after the death of Stefan Dušan in 1355. Ruled by Blasius Mataranga, a member of the notable Mataranga noble family, the principality maintained de facto independence during this period, with diplomatic and trade relations with the Republic of Ragusa. It lasted until 1367, when much of its territory was absorbed by the neighboring Principality of Albania, ruled by the Thopia family, and the Principality of Muzaka, ruled by the Muzaka family.
History
Development
The Principality of Mataranga was established in the mid-14th century by Blasius Mataranga, a member of the influential Mataranga noble family. The principality was situated along the southwestern Albanian coast between the Shkumbin and Seman rivers, encompassing strategic areas such as the port of Karavasta and the surrounding fertile lands of Myzeqe. Blasius rose to prominence amid the fragmentation of the Serbian Empire following the death of Emperor Stefan Dušan in 1355. Although initially under Serbian overlordship, Blasius asserted independent rule over his territories between 1358 and 1367.Reign of Blasius
Blasius held the Byzantine court title of sevastokrator, granted by Simeon Uroš, a Serbian ruler who styled himself Emperor of Serbs and Greeks. This title acknowledged Blasius's authority but did not restrict his practical independence. He also held the title Lord of Karavasta. His capital was probably either at Pirgu, a coastal area between the Shkumbin and Seman rivers known historically for its sandy beaches and lush vegetation, or at the strategically positioned Breg Castle which is situated near the mouth of the Shkumbin River and may have functioned as his main stronghold. The borders of the principality were fluid, as the surrounding areas were home to various Albanian tribes whose loyalties shifted frequently, and land control overlapped with neighboring noble families. Despite this, Blasius managed to assert effective control over a significant stretch of territory bounded roughly by the Shkumbin River in the north, the Seman River to the south, and extending inland toward the Devoll River. Some sources also suggest that the Matarangas may have held smaller or secondary lands further north, between the Bunë River and Durrës, though these holdings were likely limited and contested, possibly held as vassals under the Balsha family. Under his leadership, the principality flourished as a trade hub, particularly in grain exports, establishing important commercial links with the maritime Republic of Ragusa.Military conflicts and alliances
Blasius's reign was dominated by ongoing conflicts with rival noble houses vying for dominance in central Albania. Most notable were the tensions with the powerful Thopia family, rulers of the Principality of Albania. The principality also had fluctuating relations with the Balsha family, rulers of the Principality of Zeta, sometimes allying with them against common enemies.During the mid-1360s, these rivalries erupted into open battle in what is known as the 1363–64 Balsha-Thopia War. The Mataranga family allied with the Balshas during the 1363-64 conflict against the Thopias. This war centered largely on control of strategic territories and ports, particularly Durrës, which was closely contested by surrounding nobles. Blasius likely attempted to extend his influence toward Durrës, prompting defensive action from Karl Thopia, who successfully resisted these incursions. In the spring of 1364, during a skirmish, Karl Thopia captured Gjergj I Balsha and held him prisoner until 1366, when the Republic of Ragusa mediated a peace agreement that secured his release.
Economic activity and relations with Ragusa
The principality under Blasius was an important regional trade hub. Its fertile plains produced abundant grain, which was exported via the ports along the coast, especially Karavasta and the river mouths of the Shkumbin and Devoll rivers. These exports contributed to the regional trade economy and were among the agricultural goods imported by the Republic of Ragusa, a maritime republic that maintained active commercial ties along the Adriatic coast.Diplomatic correspondence and trade records from Ragusa attest to frequent negotiations with Blasius, focusing on securing safe passage and favorable terms for grain and other commodities, including dried pork. Ragusan envoys were regularly dispatched to his court, often bearing gifts to maintain amicable relations and protect commercial interests. Ragusa also played a mediating role in local conflicts involving the principality, particularly disputes with the city of Durrës and its rulers.
These economic ties provided Blasius with the resources and political leverage to sustain his principality amid the region's fractious environment. However, the principality's prosperity was vulnerable to the shifting tides of war and the ambitions of neighboring lords.