Albanian stradiot Petros Renessi in the 15th century …

“The family nickname in Peloponnese in the 15th century: the Albanian Petros Renessi lived in the village of Lala (nahia Gardichko)…”¹

Albanian Stradiots Hector Renesi, son of Borđe Renesi in 1527

“Based on known sources, it can be concluded that Albanians were the first to join the Venetian mercenaries as early as 1527. On April 1, 1752, Hector Renesi, son of Borđe Renesi, served as a mercenary in Trogir.”²

Albanian Stradiots Petar Jurevic (Pjetër Jura) and Martin Martinovic (Martin Martini)

“… A little later, the Albanian Petar Jurević was granted a four-month leave of absence in Budva. Then, in Bergamo, the Albanian captain Martin Martinović was on duty.”³

Albanians Nikola Becic (Nikollë Beqi), Fran Dragani and Bartol Beliqi (Bellci?)

“Each soldier, at the expense of their salaries, given two ducats each, which was reported to the General Providor of Dalmatia.” When Nikola Becić, captain of the Albanian company, son of governor Vuk, left his post, another son of Vuk was appointed in his place. “Captain Fran Draganić, with service in Verona, was granted one month’s leave for going to Albania to assemble a company. Cavalier Bartolo Belic was also granted leave to collect 50 capelets in Albania. He was guaranteed by a merchant from Palma, Bartolomeo Amadri”.⁴

Albanian nobles Petrus Missia, Alexius Arianiti and Tanusius Bessossia of 1272 and the “comites et barones et feudatarii regni Albanie“

“When the Angevins came to Durrës in 1272, the Byzantine state retort had already half dissolved the second layer of tribes that was created after the Illyrians. They found powerful noble families there. Leti sevastus Petrus Missia savasto Alexius Arianiti savasto Tanusius Bessossia with the nobility of knights 1272 Vlado Blinisti miles Theopia miles which sprung up on the feudal lands of the Byzantine stratiots or proniars. This Albanian nobility the Angevins call a collective name “comites et barones et feudatarii regni Albanie”.⁵

The Leader of the stratiots of Cyprus was Progono Caratolla (Progon Kartolla) in 1513 and Chenesi Caratola guarding the city of Friuli

“… Albanian stratiots in Crete. The leader of the stratiots in Cyprus in 1530 was the Albanian Progono Caratola , who in 1513 served with the Venetians in Crete. In 1507 the city Friuli was guarded by the Albanian stratnot “del strenuo Chenesi Caratola cavalier”.⁶

Leka Burlashi of Kribsi, Lalush Buriashe and Nikola Bukura

” Leka Burlashe, in the village of Kribsi (Hlumica district) and
in the village of Lalush (Kalandritsa district) – Lalush Buriashe. It is possible that Albanians received surnames in connection with the fun caused by theatrical games in the past. Maybe that’s why one arberesh in Southern Italy in the 19th century. received the nickname Serembe (Zef Serembe), which is the Albanian form of the Latin “serenus”, meaning “cheerful, joyful, happy”, Probably a Peloponnesian Albanian of the 15th century. in the village of Lazario (near Grebena) named Nikola Bukura after the same … “⁷

The Albanian Morichio Demoniti of 1473 and Manoli Demonogjani of 1596 and Tanusius Bessossia (Tanush) and ancient Albanian paganism

“… nicknames associated with the devil, with Satan. For example, the Albanian stratiot, who served in the Strovili fortress in 1473, was called Morichio Demoniti. In 1569, a resident of the city of Malvasia in the Peloponnese bore the name Manoli Demonogjani. Back in the 13th century in 1274 there lived an Albanian named Tanusius Bessossia, whose surname is probably connected with the Slavic word for “demon,” Perhaps the masks that were used then were demon-like (daemonibus consimiles). And yet the above “demonic” names in that or are otherwise connected with the pagan beliefs of medieval Albanians. This assumption is supported by the presence of a priest in Cybele among the Albanians in the second half of the 15th century. In 1473, in the Strovili fortress there was a recording … “⁸

Albanians as the heirs of the ancient Athelans

“… In the Middle Ages, Atelans were not known as representatives of the comedy genre. That is why the presence of data on theatricality and comedy among medieval Albanians is surprising and the impression remains as if they were the heirs of the ancient
Athelans.”⁹

The Albanians “Atelan” and Johannes Atelanus (Gjon Atllani?) of 1476

First of all, a striking impression is made by the fact that a certain Albanian was called “atelan” in the second half of the 15th century. In 1476, a certain Joannes Atelanus served among the Albanian stratiots in the Peloponnese as a mercenary soldier for the Venetians, who was killed by the Turks . Among the settlements of the Peloponnese,
known as Albanian, in one Ottoman-Turkish tax register dating back to the 60s of the XV … “¹⁰

Albanian Stradiots Angelo Renesi, Gjin Renesi, Mihal Renesi, Zorzi Renesi, Leka Renesi and Geta (Gent) Renesi

“… Angelo Rhenesi of Modon serves in Cephalonia together with his son Ghini Rhenesi. In 1559, the stratiot Michali Rhenesi is located on the island of Corfu. In 1552, the leader of the stratiots in Split is Zorzi Renessi (Rhenesi), 251 At the end of the 15th century. (1493) the Albanian stratiot in Puglia and Amorea was a certain Lecha Renesi, 2652 In 1481 the leader of the stratiots in Sogop was called Geta Renesi … “¹¹

Antonio Grimani of the 15th century

“… named after Antonio Grimani. Another Albanian captain, Antonio Grimani, had the same name in Lepan in 1496.128 Most Albanians with the nickname “Grimani” appear in Venetian documents of the 16th century. In 1535 in the city of Zara (Dalmatia) he served with the Venetians Albanian stratiot … “¹²

Albanian Dima Gangadi of Napoli in 1504 and the Albanian comedy profession “Kanjaji” and the Albanian Dramasi family.

“… on and as a resident of Napoli de Romania in 1504 – Albanian Dima Gangadi. It should be noted that in the Peloponnesian settlements where the Greek population lived in the 15th century, the surname Kankaji is absent. The latter is found only among the Albanian population and probably denotes the profession of comedians. As theatergoers, Albanians participated not only in comedic farces, but also performed tragic roles. We are convinced of this by what is often encountered in the 15th century. among them the family nickname “Dramasi”. In the 60s of the 15th century in the Peloponnese in the Albanian village of Trachia Manesi (nahia Grebena) Gerg Dramasi was registered, 204 in the village of Kribsi (nahia Chlumitsa) Albanian … “¹³

13th century

Dimitrus Scura (Dhimitër), Maurus (Mar) Scura, Zacharias Scura, Tanusius (Tanush) Scura, Petrus Scura and Calogeorgius Scura

“Dimitrius Scura, Maurus Scura, Zacharias Scura.” In another Latin document of 1275 in the Aversa fortress, where Albanian hostages were imprisoned, among the already mentioned Zaccarias Scura and Dimitrius Scura, the Albanian Tanusius Scura was also registered. In 1276, in the third document , also compiled in Latin, the last three Albanians are again found with the common nickname “Scura””, Tanusius Scura is also listed in another document dating from 1278. In 1283 he was registered as a resident of the city of Valona. sevast Petrus Scura¹³, and the following year another inhabitant of Valona, ​​Calogeorgius Scura, is mentioned.”¹⁴

“In 1550, the Albanian stratiot Zuan Calofono (Calofolo) was recorded on the island of Zanthe. Albanian Athanassi Carula, in the service of the Venetians in Sibenik in … “¹⁵

The Albanians Jan Schiri, Stamati Scurra, Nicola Scurra, Zuan Scuri, Nicolo Scuriza and Zorzi Scuga in 1511 and 1541-1546

“It turns out there is also another Albanian stratiot-guard Jani Schiri, registered on the same island in 1511. Despite the distorted family name, it is not difficult to guess the typical Albanian nickname “Scurra”. The correctly spelled family names of the Albanian stratiots from Morea (Peloponnese) Stamati Scurra and Nicola Scurra, who served in Crete in 1541. In the same year, the Albanian Zuan Scuri and his son Nicolo Scuriza were registered as residents of Malvasia.4º In 1547 the name Zuan (here as Janni) Scuri appears again in another Latin document from the Venetian archives. In the previous year 1546, the inhabitants of Malvasia, the Albanians Zorzi Scuga and … “¹⁶

Albanian Stradiots Kozma Karatula, Andrea Karatula, Nikola Karatula, and Leka Karatula, Mengeshe Karatula, Mihali Karatula, Costa Karatuda and Yorgi Karatuda in 1460

“In the 60s of the 15th century, among the Ablan (Alban) settlements of the Region of Ahan, Arcadia and Elis on the Peloponnese Peninsula, many Albanians bore this family name. For example, in the village Lazarus (near Grebena) was living there by Albanians Kozma Karatula, Andrea Karatula, Nikola Karatula and Leka Karatula. 100 In the same
village, an Albanian widow named Belia, the wife of a certain Karatula, was also registered. In the village of Mengeshe Komani (near Vomiro) lived the Albanians Mengeshe Karatula, another Mengeshe
Karatula and Mihali Karatula. In the vicinity of Vomiro there was an Albanian village of Karatula, in which lived Costa Karatuda and Yorgi Karatuda, In the village. Dzeki (Nakhia Garlichko) lived an Albanian … “¹⁷

Albanian Stradiots Alessio Grimani (Lezhë Grimani), Dima Grimani, Bogdani Grimani, Lazaro Grimani, Alessandra Grimani (daughter of Alessio Grimani), Piero Grimani, and his brother Zorzi Grimani, Piero Grimani and Antonio Grimani (1550s)

“Alessio Grimani. In 1530, the Albanian stratiot Dima Grimani served in Crete. In 1541, again, the Albanian stratiot Bogdani Grimani served in Crete. In 1543, the stratio Lazaro Grimani was recorded in Venetian documents of the Peloponnesian city of Naples. In the same 1543 in the city. Naples in Morea lived the Albanian Alessandra Grimani, daughter of Alessio Grimani. In 1541, the Albanian stratiot Piero Grimani served in Crete. In the same year, his brother Zorzi Grimani was also mentioned in the documents. 1552 in the city. Antivari (today’s Bar) in Dalmatia served as stratiot Piero Grimani, originally from Napoli di Romania. In the second half of the 16th century. Another Albanian named Antonio Grimani was in the service of the Venetians in Crete. In 1565 on the island … “¹⁸

Albanian Stradiots Mitri Scura and Marco Scura, Fussa Scura and Pietro Scura

“… there is also a certain Mitri Scura among Albanians. “At the beginning of the 17th century (1602) in the vicinity of the city of Shkodra (Northern Albania), the Albanians Marco Scura, Fussa Scura and Pietro Scura were recorded.45 In 1610, a priest with …¹⁹

The Albanian Duchena (Duchina) (154), Isabetta (Isabella) Renesi and Reghnia Renesi (1546) Anna Renesi, Catherina Renesi (1547), Condo Renessi (1477)

“In 1549, the Albanian Duchena (Duchina) Renessi appears in Crete. In 1546, two more Albanians with the same surname were noted in Peloponnesian Neapol. Isabetta Renesi Reghina Renesi. In the same year, the Albanian Anna Renesi was found in Crete. The next year (1547) another Albanian woman named Catherina Renessi appears in Crete. In 1477, the Albanian stratiot Condo Renessi was registered in Atogea (Peloponnese). In 1540, the Stratiotes, belonging to the Albanian Renessi family, serve in Dalmatia. The above nickname is found in the 17th century. in Northern Albania and as a name for settlements. In 1610, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea near the mountains. Lesh existed … “²⁰

Other possibly Albanian Stradiots:²¹

“The staunch Thomaso Lusi (Tomë Luzhi) “our leader of Strathioti now responsible for the custody of Trau”… Zuan Plessa Dima Golemi, (Jan (Zuan) Plezhë Dima Golemi) Zorzi Lusi, Zorzi Sarachini, Thodaro Codugni, Thodaro Cacosi, Guma Lusi, Nicolo Lusi Nicolo Sarachini Zuan Lusi, Marin Chezi Andrea Bisano, Lunardo Radovani The staunch knight D. Stramati Lusi, leader of Strathioti… served in Italy and the Levant. “… wishes to renuntiar [XV horses] to the staunch Thomaso Lusi, his nephew …” Comin Frassina, head of Strathioti, deputy for Sibinico Pietro Frassina, Dimitri Sanga, Dimitri Bosichio, Thodaro Frassina Luca Masarachi, Athanassi Carula Zorzi Lopese son of the staunch Piero Lopese “leader of Strathioti, who serves in the company of his father” Condo Chelmi nephew of the stalwart Andrea Chelmi, “who serves in the company of the stalwart Andrea” Zuanne Licuressi in the company of the staunch Lazaro Grimani Zorzi Mipotero from Naples of Romania, Zorzi Sterbazzo, Gliuban Sterbazzo Zorzi from Santa Maura who serves in Zara in the company of the staunch Theodoro Clada Vreto Cuci, who serves in the company of the stalwart Andrea Chelmi Antonio Comi fo [son of the late] of the quondam cavalier D. Jani who was killed by the Turks in Zakynthos, “… be given the burden of the company that his father had the quondam.” Marco Cavalesi, “Strathioto meritorious”, should be enrolled in one of the Dalmatian companies”

References

1. Bulgarian Historical Review 1978, p.155 ↩︎
2. https://www.google.se/books/edition/%D0%98%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%98%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81_24_1/UM1qCgAAQBAJ?hl=sv&gbpv=1&dq=%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86+1616&pg=PA148&printsec=frontcover, p.146 ↩︎
3. Историјски часопис 24, 1977 p.148-149 ↩︎
4. Историјски часопис 24, 1977 p.150-151 ↩︎
5. https://www.google.se/books/edition/Srbi_i_Arbanasi/v17QAAAAMAAJ?hl=sv&gbpv=1&dq=Tanusius+Bessossia&pg=PA120&printsec=frontcover ↩︎
6. imbid.p72 ↩︎
7. imbid.p.75 ↩︎
8. imbid.p.74 ↩︎
9. imbid.p.70 ↩︎
10. imbid.p.70 ↩︎
11. imbid. p.78 ↩︎
12. imbid. p.73 ↩︎
13. https://www.google.se/books/edition/Bulgarian_Historical_Review/LA0iAQAAMAAJ?hl=sv&gbpv=1&bsq=%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86+1614&dq=%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86+1614&printsec=frontcover ↩︎
14. Bulgarian Historical Review 1978, p.67 ↩︎
15. https://www.google.se/books/edition/Bulgarian_Historical_Review/LA0iAQAAMAAJhl=sv&gbpv=1&bsq=%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86+1550&dq=%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86+1550&printsec=frontcover ↩︎
16. Bulgarian Historical Review 1978, p.68 ↩︎
17. Bulgarian Historical Review 1978, p.71 ↩︎ ↩︎
18. Bulgarian Historical Review 1978, p.73 ↩︎
19. imbid. ↩︎
20. Bulgarian Historical Review 1978, p.78 ↩︎
21. https://abodily.tripod.com/porcilestorialocale01500.html ↩︎