Author: Petrit Latifi

The Albanians, or their ancestors, such as the Illyrians, played a significant role in the armies of antiquity and later periods, which established their reputation as excellent warriors. Throughout the history of the Balkan states, they were present in many important military conflicts:

Illyrians in Alexander’s army

The Illyrians were among the soldiers Alexander the Great recruited during his campaigns. Alexander had previously subjugated the Illyrians in a campaign, and he subsequently used their military strength for his army. The Illyrians, who specialized in heavily armed infantry and cavalry, played a significant role in Alexander’s conquests. Their reputation as fearless warriors made them an important part of his army.

Illyrians and Dardanians in the Trojan War

The Dardanians, an Illyrian tribe, also played a role in the Trojan War, according to ancient sources. The Dardanians, led by Aeneas, were allies of the Trojans and fought alongside them against the Greeks. In Greek mythology, the Dardanians are described as brave fighters who were based in the area of ​​present-day northern Albania and southern Serbia.

Middle Ages and Ottoman Empire

In the Middle Ages, the military tradition continued, as Albanians were integrated into the armies of the various empires of the Balkans. As mentioned above, Stefan Dušan recruited thousands of Albanian cavalrymen. In the Ottoman Empire, many Albanians attained high positions in the army, including prominent generals and pashas.

In the 19th century, Albanians played a significant role in the region’s national liberation movements. During the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830), many Albanian fighters, such as the Arvanites, were instrumental in the battles against the Ottoman Empire. Many Albanians also fought alongside the Serbs against the Ottomans during the liberation of Belgrade (1806) during the Serbian Revolution.

In the 20th century, Albanians fought in the Balkan Wars (1912–1913) and resisted the fascist occupation during World War II. Particularly noteworthy is the contribution of the Albanian partisan movement, which fought against the Axis powers in Albania and other parts of the Balkans during the war. Their role as intrepid fighters continued into modern times.

Albanians also fought against the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the figure of Skanderbeg (Gjergj Kastrioti), who led one of the largest uprisings against the Ottomans in the 15th century. Skanderbeg’s successful resistance against the Ottoman Empire is a symbol of Albanian national pride and military heritage, showing that Albanians were not only part of the Ottoman military, but also fought successfully against the empire.

Conclusion

Albanians and their ancestors, such as the Illyrians and Dardanians, have been present in various armies in the Balkans for thousands of years. Their skills as warriors and their reputation as fearless fighters, from ancient to modern times, made them an indispensable part of many military conflicts in the region. From the ancient campaigns of Alexander to the struggles for independence in the 20th century, including their resistance against the Ottoman Empire, they have repeatedly played a crucial role on the battlefield.

Sources:

– [Albanians in Alexander’s army](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/)

– [Dardanians in the Trojan War](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Trojan-War)

– [Skanderbeg and the resistance against the Ottomans](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Skanderbeg)