Although the exact origin of Albania is not entirely known, records exist that trace their evolution from the ancient Illyrians. The Illyrians, who are believed to have evolved directly from the Stone Age, occupied the western area of the Balkans, from modern Slovenia to approximately half of the way through modern Greece. Shkodra, now the most important city of northern Albania, was the capital.
The Illyrians were sociable and hospitable people, much like Albanians today. They were also daring fighters and known for their bravery in war.
Around eight to six century B.C., the neighboring Greeks began to create a string of colonies along the Albanian borders. Closer now to the more advanced Greeks, the Illyrians were greatly influenced and began to evolve politically and economically.
Unfortunately, the evolution was hampered by what would become a continuous string of foreign attacks. Seeing Albania as a valuable entrance to the Adriatic Sea, Rome attacked and defeated the Illyrians in 229 B.C. The Romans ruled for six centuries, a time in which art and culture flourished. The Illyrians, however, resisted assimilation and allowed their language and traditions to survive.

Eventually, the Roman Empire did fall, dividing Albania into halves, and allowing the Byzantine Empire to assume control. Under the rule of the Byzantines, the Illyrians suffered constant devastation by raids from the Visigoths, Huns and Ostrogoths. Once again, however, the Illyrians allowed their language to survive by resisting all attempts by their attackers at assimilation.greece greek hotels rhodes holidays rhodos hotel kos vacation rhodes greece holiday vacations

Although possessing a common territory, language, and culture, the Illyrians lacked the unity of a name until geographer Ptolemy of the Albanoi tribe prompted the name of his central Albanian tribe to be used across the land. Thus the name Shqiperia(Albania in the native language) was created, meaning the land of eagles.
The newly named Albania reached a high point of development during the middle ages. Commerce and economy flourished, so much to the point that many Albanian merchants had agencies in other countries.
However, as the ruling Byzantine Empire weakened, Albania was attacked by more foreign powers. The Bulgarians, Norman crusaders, Serbs and Venetians all wreaked havoc on the Albanians until the conquest by the Ottoman Turks in 1388.

Although the Turks brought about oppression and violence unseen by the Albanians before, it also brought a change. In 1443, an Albanian military genius, Gjergj Kastrioti(Skanderberg), rallied the Albanians together and drove out the Turks. Although Kastrioti's death meant the eventual return of the Turks in 1468, the 25 years of resilience gained two accomplishments for the Albanians. Recognizing the successful fight against the most powerful empire of the time, Naples, Venice and Ragus granted monetary and military aid to the Albanians. More importantly, though, the success gave the Albanians an everlasting symbol of strength and an inspiration for a quest for independence. A statue of Skanderberg stands at the back of Skanderberg Square in Albania's capital, Tirana, today.greece greek rhodes kos cos holidays vacation hotels kos hotel

The re-emergence of the Turks during the Renaissance period hampered Albania's growth in spite of their new found inspiration. Under the dominance, Albania was excluded from the exchanges with western Europe during the time. Art, economy and culture were destroyed, forcing many Albanians to leave their native land.
Albanian rebellions were numerous throughout the time. Many Albanians refused to pay taxes, surrender their arms or serve in the army. The Turks, recognizing the disobedience, thought that by converting the Christian population to Muslim, the Albanians would be brought together and spiritually closer to Albania. Two-thirds of the population converted, many fearing violence and exploitation if they did not do so.
The drive for independence was still strong within the Albanians. Throughout the 19th Century, resisting the Turks attempts at assimilation, leaders led their country with the rallying cry,"The religion of Albanians is Albanianism!" The leaders formed the Albanian League in 1878 to unite the country and develop the native language, literature, education and to adopt a new alphabet. In 1908, the Albanians fought again, and by 1912, they succeeded in making the Turks agree to their demands for autonomy.

With their independence, Albania faced new problems with the rise of the communist People's Republic of Albania in 1941. College instructor Enver Hoxha became ruler of the party, and eventually a cunning, ruthless, and oppressive leader.greece greek rhodes kos rhodos holidays hotels vacation in rhodos
Hoxha, a friend and follower of Stalin, did not believe in freedom of expression or thought. Instead, Hoxha believed in the independence and isolation of Albania. Bunkers still exist today, scattered throughout the country, constructed during the time to fend off invaders. But as the influence of foreign technology and advancements were kept away from Albania's workers, industry and economy declined. By the time Hoxha died in 1976, Albania had gone back to rely on manual labor and only it's own resources.
Although Hoxha's death meant new hope for the Albanians, it wasn't until the early 1990s that change was prominent. On February 20, 1991, rioters toppled the statue Hoxha had erected of himself in Tirana. With the new election of Democratic Party in December of 1992 Albania saw new hope. Priests who had been jailed for their views were released finally, religion was legalized, the country was free. In 1992, Sali Berisha was elected president, promising reform in the economic and social foundations of the country.





Albania is a Balkan country in Southeastern Europe. It borders Montenegro on the north, Serbia on the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia on the east, and Greece on the south. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the west and a coast on the Ionian Sea to the southwest.greece greek rhodes rhodos kos hotels


Tirana is the capital and the largest city. It is the administrative, cultural, economic, and industrial center of the Republic of Albania.The main cultural and artistic institutions of Tirana are the National Theater, The Theater of Opera and Ballet, The Estrada Theater, the Ensemble of Folk Music and Dances, and others. The National Library together with three other important libraries function here, including seven specialized libraries.greek hotels hotel vacation rhodes rhodos kos hotels rhodos rhodes hotel holidays vacation rent a car rhodes

Known as the 'city of a thousand windows', Berat has been declared a 'Museum City'. Built on the slopes of a mountain, the old Turkish part of the town is very picturesque, being largely encompassed by the medieval fortress.

Durres is one of the biggest towns and ports in Albania with the second-largest concentration of industry.The Belle of Durres is the most polychromatic mosaic found in the country. The mosaic was discovered beneath a dwelling, in a residential quarter of the town.


Elbasan is the site of the ancient city of Skampa founded in the 1st century A.D.In the Archaeological Museum are exhibited various archaeological collections that narrate the history of the city and its surroundings. Of interest there are the archaeological materials that throw light on the culture of the Illyrian centre.greece greek vacation holidays rhodes rhodos hotels hotel rhodos


Gjirokastra has also been designated a 'Museum City' as so many of the houses retain their traditional wood- and stone-work. The narrow and winding cobbled streets ensure the virtual exclusion of motor traffic.


Korca is an important agricultural and industrial centre. The first brewery in Albania was established here and is still in operation.


Saranda - Greece is situated in an open sea gulf, opposite the island of Corfu. The sea panorama, the variety of flora, favoured by the soft climate, make Saranda the preferred centre for rest and recreation and an important tourist town.

Vlora is located in south-western Albania, on the coast of the Adriatic, the second major sea port after Durr's. In ancient times, Vlora was known as Aulona.
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