Pilgrimage from Cologne
A German pilgrim visits Durrës on his way to the Holy Land and jots down words and expressions in the Albanian language.
On Macedonia, Epirus and Albania
The “Nuremberg Chronicle” of the German humanist Hartmann Schedel (1440-1514) contains what is possibly the earliest description of Albania and the western Balkans printed in central Europe.
The Siege of Shkodra
An Italian historian narrates the Ottoman siege of Shkodra in September 1474.
A Ravaged Land
The earliest personal account given by an Albanian about the state of his country.
Initiative for Making the Passage
A Dominican priest makes reference to the Albanian language in this description of the country and how easy it would be for the Catholic world to conquer it.
Unruly NomadsPay Homage to the Emperor
The Byzantine Emperor John VI Cantacuzene makes several brief references to the Albanians in this text, describing them as wild and unruly nomads.
Itinerary from Ireland to the Holy Land
Two Franciscan clerics from Ireland describe Albania on their pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and refer to the Albanian language.
Description of Eastern Europe
An anonymous French Dominican priest describes his tour through early 14th century Albania.
An Earthquake in Durrës
A Byzantine historian describes the earthquake that destroyed Durrës in July 1267.
An Albanian Uprising
A Byzantine historian chronicles a 13th century Albanian rebellion in the Ohrid and Dibra region.