Historical Collections

Fighting tradition - From Illyrians to Arbërs

The fighting tradition of Albanians began in earlier times. Illyrian tribes had a structured military organization. The compulsory system included males between the ages of 17 and 20, while in case of war, this obligation included all males capable of fighting, up to the age of 60.

The numerical composition of the Illyrian Army varied from 10,000 warriors in peacetime to 40,000 in wartime. In the uprisings against Roman rule in the years 6 - 9 AD, it is thought that around 200,000 warriors were involved.

Cavalry, in organized form, was created in the period of King Bardhyl (390 - 350 BC). It consisted of the highest strata of society and was formed in several groups of 100 - 200 knights.

During the battle, the Cavalry was placed on both flanks of the Infantry, for its protection or for the pursuit of the enemy in case of retreat.

In the Battle of Pyrrhus against the Romans at Heraclea in Italy, in addition to Cavalry, the Illyrians also used elephants on the battlefield.

An important part of the Illyrian military power was the Naval War Fleet, which reached its peak during the Reign of Gent (197-168 BC), with about 220 ships.

The typical weaponry used by the Illyrians consisted of swords, lances, spears, helmets, shields, armors, and cuirass.

As for the wars fought, the most mentioned ones are those against Alexander the Great and the Romans.

After a long period of rule and changes in the Balkan Peninsula, in the 13th - 14th centuries, the Albanian Principalities were created, among which are the Topiaj, Balshaj, Muzakaj, Zenebishte, Shpataj, etc. Each principality had its own army. They acted as a force to defend the principality but also to expand their territories.