The History of Albania: A Deep Dive into Its Historical Invasions

Introduction

How Many Times Has Albania Been Invaded by Foreign Countries Throughout History?
Albania, a country with a rich and complex history, has faced numerous invasions and foreign influences over the centuries. From ancient invasions to the conflicts of the modern era, Albania's geography and strategic location have made it a desirable target for conquerors. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the number of invasions that Albania has experienced, focusing especially on the periods before and after World War II.

I. Pre-World War II Invasions

1. Ancient Invaders

Romans (168 BC):

The invasion by the Roman Empire in 168 BC was one of the earliest recorded. Rome, after a series of conflicts known as the Illyrian Wars, sought to establish a presence in the region, thereby marking the beginning of significant Roman influence in Albania.

2. Ottomans (1479 and 1912):

The Ottomans, a major force in the Balkans, made their initial invasion in 1479, with their hold on the region continuing until the early 20th century. In 1912, the Ottoman Empire's control over Albania was further diminished, leading to the creation of the Albanian state.

II. Post-World War II Invasions

1. Italian Invaders (1919-1920, 1939-1943)

After World War I, Italy sought to establish a greater presence in the Balkans. In 1919-1920, Italian troops occupied small parts of Albania, such as Shkodra, which was seized from Montenegro and Serbia. The situation escalated significantly in 1939 with Italy's invasion of Albania, which lasted until 1943 when Italy was defeated and Nazi Germany took over.

2. Nazi Germany (1943-1944):

Nazi Germany's invasion of Albania in 1943 marked the end of Italian rule in the region. Germany occupied Albania for about a year until the end of World War II in 1944, when the Nazis were expelled by Allied forces and Albanian partisans.

III. Intricacies of Historical Invaders

1. Greeks and Serbs

Throughout history, both Greek and Serbian forces have also invaded parts of Albania. For instance, Serbian forces entered Albania during the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913, following the collapse of Ottoman control. Greek invasions were also a part of these conflicts.

2. Bulgarians and Austrians:

Bulgarian and Austrian invasions were less frequent but significant. Bulgaria, for example, invaded parts of Albania during the Balkan Wars, while Austria's influence over Albania was limited but notable during the Napoleonic Wars.

IV. Conclusion

Albania has faced numerous invasions throughout its history, with modern-era invasions adding to the long list. From ancient Rome to Nazi Germany, the country has been a target for several major and minor foreign powers. Understanding this history is crucial to grasping the context and complexity of Albania's current geopolitical situation.

V. Keywords

Albania invasions, history of Albania, foreign invasions