Albania is a small country located in the Balkan Peninsula of Europe. It is a country with a long and complex history, which has been shaped by the various civilizations that have occupied the region throughout the centuries. From the ancient Illyrians to the Ottoman Empire, Albania has been a nation in flux. Here is a timeline of some of the major events in Europe Albania history.
Ancient Times: The Illyrians were the first people to settle in the region of what is now Albania. They were an Indo-European tribe who lived in the region between 2000 and 1000 BC. They were a tribal society and developed their own language and culture.
476 AD: The Roman Empire conquers the Illyrian tribes and establishes the province of Illyricum. The Romans ruled the region for almost 500 years.
1081 AD: The Byzantine Empire conquers the region and establishes the Despotate of Epirus. The Byzantines would rule the region until the Ottoman Empire conquered the region in the 15th century.
1443 AD: The Ottoman Empire conquers the region and establishes the Eyalet of Albania. The Ottomans would rule the region for almost four centuries.
1699 AD: The Albanian revolt of 1699-1700 is an uprising against the Ottoman Empire. The revolt is unsuccessful and the Ottomans remain in control of the region.
1878 AD: The Congress of Berlin is held and it is decided that Albania will remain part of the Ottoman Empire.
1912 AD: The Albanian Revolt of 1912-1913 is another uprising against the Ottoman Empire. This revolt is successful and Albania gains its independence.
1913 AD: The Principality of Albania is established.
1914 AD: World War I begins and Albania is occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
1920 AD: The Albanian Kingdom is established.
1939 AD: World War II begins and Albania is occupied by the Axis powers.
1945 AD: World War II ends and Albania is liberated by the Allies.
1946 AD: The People's Republic of Albania is established.
1991 AD: The People's Republic of Albania is dissolved and the Republic of Albania is established.
Today: Albania is a democratic republic and a member of the European Union. It is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage.