In the document by François de Belleforest (1575), we find a description that debunks many modern myths about the extent and continuity of Arbëria. The author documents several of our regions:

DURRËS (Durazze) – Described as a city of Albania (“ville d’Albanie”). Belleforest lists its inhabitants: the Taulantii and Liburni (lords of the sea), confirming our continuity from antiquity.

VLORA & ORIKUM (La Valone & Orche) – The author places these as strategic gates. He mentions that Orikum was once inhabited by the Dardani (“habitee pour lors par les Dardaniens”). He also mentions Sazan (Sasson) and the fact that Vlora stands opposite Otranto as the key point of communication with Italy.

EPIRUS IS ALBANIA – This is his quote. For Gjirokastër (Argirocaftre) and Butrint, Belleforest writes: “assise en celle partie d’Epire… qui maintenant porte proprement le tiltre d’Albanie” (situated in that part of Epirus… which now properly bears the title of Albania).

DODONA THESPROTE – Even the ancient oracle of Dodona is placed without any doubt in the territory of the Thesprotians: “les plus diligents l’ont donnee à la Thesprotie”.

This material expresses that 450 years ago these lands were officially known by the name Albania.