Andrea I Muzaka
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| Andrea I Muzaka | |
|---|---|
| Sevastocrator Lord of Berat & Myzeqe Marshal of the Kingdom of Albania | |
 Bust of Andrea I Muzaka in Berat | |
| Lord of Berat & Myzeqe | |
| Reign | 1279-1319 |
| Successor | Teodor I Muzaka |
| Marshal of Albania | |
| Predecessor | Jacques de Campagnol |
| Successor | Gulielm Blinishti |
| Born | Unknown |
| Died | 1319 |
| Spouse | Unknown |
| Issue | Teodor I Muzaka Gjin Muzaka |
| Dynasty | Muzaka |
| Father | Lal Muzaka |
Andrea I Muzaka (Albanian: Andrea Muzaka; 12?? – 1319), also known as Andrew Musachi was an Albanian Lord and member of the Muzaka family.
Andrea I Muzaka was an influential Albanian lord and the founder of the Muzaka family, which became one of the principal feudal powers in central Albania.[1][2] While the identities of his parents remain unknown, he emerged as a prominent ruler in medieval Albania, holding significant titles and territorial control.[1] Some sources state that his father was named Lal Muzaka.[3] He held the Byzantine title of Sevastokrator and was the Lord of Berat, as well as ruling over Myzeqe, establishing himself as a key figure in the region.[4][5] He was appointed the title of Marshal of the Kingdom of Albania (Marescallus regni Albaniae), holding this position from 1280 to 1319.[1][2][6] During this time, he was a vassal of the Angevin Kings of Naples, who held suzerainty over the region.[2][1]
His domain extended across central Albania, including parts of Devoll, Opar, and Skrapar, with Berat serving as the capital of his rule.[5][4] His territories also included the region of Myzeqe, with its borders extending from the village of Garunja (Carugua), Gosë (Giossi), Bashtovë (Basti), and Miliota at the Shkumbin River.[5] His control reached down to the river Vjosa and the area known as the Two Stones.[5] Andrea I also ruled over Tomorrica (Tomornica), with its sixty villages, Selenicë (Selenizza), and the town of Korça (Corizza), as well as various surrounding villages and regions.[4][5]
In 1319, as part of the crusading efforts led by Philip of Taranto, Pope John XXII sent a series of confidential letters to the Albanian nobility.[7][8] These letters, dated June 17, 1319, were initiated by the Roman Curia and were not publicly circulated.[7] Instead, they were intended solely for the recipients, emphasizing the Albanian nobility's role in resisting the heavy tyranny of the treacherous king of Serbia (grava tyrannis of the rex perfidus Rasciae).[7] The crusade had been prompted by King Milutin of Serbia's persecution of Catholics, which led Pope John XXII to seek support from allies, including Albanian nobles.[9][8] Among the recipients were Andrea I Muzaka, Marshal of the Kingdom of Albania, and other members of the Muzaka family.[6]
Family
Andrea I Muzaka's wife is not known but the couple had two children:[4][5]
- Teodor I Muzaka, also known as "Kischetisi" (meaning "long-haired" or "braided"), held the title Protosebastos and inherited all his father's lands.[4][10] He married the Daughter of Paul of Ohrid and had two children.[11]
- Gjin Muzaka