The Myth of Albanians as Descendants of Alexander the Great

There is a common misconception that Albanians consider themselves to be descendants of Alexander the Great, similar to how some claim a heritage with Skanderbeg. This association is not based on historical evidence, but rather a way to enhance the perceived historical significance of the medieval Albanian state. This paper aims to explore the origins of this myth, examining the historical context and sources that have contributed to it.

The Geographic and Historical Context

Medieval Albania, situated near the region of Macedonia, shares geographical proximity and cultural connections with the ancient kingdom. This geographical similarity resulted in the Macedonian association, not because of any inherent descent, but rather based on geographical proximity and cultural influences. Similarly, medieval Albania was also associated with Epirus for the same reasons. Many medieval states claimed ancient connections, with examples such as the Poles and the Sarmatians.

The Formation of Albanian Identity

The modern-day concept of Albanian identity was not formed through heritage claims. The map of 337 AD, drawn not by Albanians but by the Romans, shows that the region known today as the Balkans was called the Prefecture of Illyricum. The origin of the population in this part of the known world was predominantly Illyrian. During this period, the Macedonian Kingdom ruled over the administrative divisions of the Prefecture, known as Dioceses.

The Albanian hero Scanderbeg, who led the resistance against the Ottoman Empire, also wrote a letter in 1463-4 to the leader of Tarentus, Italy. In this letter, he clearly identified his and his people's origins. This serves as a prime example of modern Albanian historical claims, which draw from the letters and historical documents of this period.

Historical Sources and References

Robert Charles Webb in his book Les Albanais (1831) provides another source, stating that the area known today as Albania was called Macedonia and Epirus before the Roman conquest. Kristo Frasheri, in his work From Tribal to a Common Albanian Identity (2010), similarly argues that the area was known by different names across different historical periods.

Engjell Sedaj, in his book Etnonime Sporadike-Epirot-Macedon-Illyr (2018), uses toponyms (place names) to argue the historical connection. Frank Bardhi highlights the naming of certain regions that were referred to as Macedonia in historical texts, including Albanian and Epirot territories.

References from the 16th century indicate that the area of Cotorr, which now corresponds to Arberi-Albania, was once called Macedonia and Epirus. These sources include the writings of Zani KoronitXani Koronaio, who discusses the origin and migrations of Albanian people.

The Contemporary Scholar Elena Kocaqi

Elena Kocaqi, in her book Pelasgians -The Albanian Origin, further explores the historical claims of Albanian descent. According to Kocaqi, the Pelasgians, an ancient Greek tribe, could be considered the early ancestors of the Albanians, thus connecting them to the broader Hellenic heritage.

In conclusion, while the myth of Albanians as descendants of Alexander the Great may have political and cultural significance, it lacks historical evidence. The modern understanding of Albanian identity is rooted in the region's historical and cultural context, influenced by geographical and administrative divisions, rather than direct descent from ancient figures. Nevertheless, these claims contribute to the complex and diverse landscape of Balkan history.