by Ερινα Ινα Ελμαζι

The text in the image comes from Johann Erich Thunmann’s book, Untersuchungen über die Geschichte der östlichen europäischen Völker (Researches into the History of the Eastern European Peoples), published in Leipzig in 1774.

This particular page (271) focuses on the history of the Albanians and the Vlachs.

Key Points of the Text

Origin: The author states that the descendants of the ancient inhabitants of this part of Illyria are now referred to as Albanians or Arbaner.

Historical Context: The text describes a period of discontent in the Byzantine Empire due to the weak rule of Michael Doukas.

Nikephoros Bryennios: It is reported that Nikephoros Bryennios, the Duke of Dyrrachium, decided to claim the throne of Constantinople.

Geography: It is noted that the region was formerly called Illyricum and that modern Albania was often defined as “Hesperia” or “West”.

Historical Significance

Thunmann’s work is considered one of the first significant scientific studies supporting the Illyrian origin of the Albanians, based on Byzantine sources such as Skylitzis and Anna Komnene, which are also mentioned in the footnotes of the page.