Albanian History with Fascinating Facts for Kids

Ancient Roots: The Illyrians
The people of Albania come from an ancient tribe called the Illyrians, who lived in the Balkans around 2000 BC. The Illyrians were strong and organized, especially in the coastal areas. They had their own kingdoms and were part of the early Mediterranean civilizations.

Greek and Roman Times
In the 7th century BC, the ancient Greeks arrived and built cities like Durrës (then called Epidamos), Apollonia, and Butrint. Later, the Roman Empire took control. But even after hundreds of years of foreign rule, the Illyrians—who later became Albanians—kept their language and traditions alive.

Ottoman Rule and a National Hero
In the late 1300s, the Ottoman Empire conquered Albania. Most of the population became Muslim during this time. But one great leader, Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, fought back. He led 25 battles and won 24 of them! For a short time in the 1400s, Albania gained its freedom under his leadership. Skanderbeg is remembered as a brave warrior and the national hero of Albania.

Modern History and World Wars
After 400 years under Ottoman rule, Albania declared independence in 1912. But it didn’t stay peaceful for long. During World War II, Albania was first invaded by Italy and later by Germany. A group called the Antifascist National Liberation Front helped fight for the country’s freedom.

Communist Times and Today
In 1944, Albania became a communist country and stayed that way for nearly 50 years. It was closed off from most of the world. But in 1991, everything changed—Albania became a democracy and opened up to the world. Today, it’s a country that values freedom, culture, and its rich history.

Want to Learn More About Albania?

Children can explore more about Albania’s history, language, and culture with Dinolingo, a fun and safe online learning platform. Dinolingo’s Albanian lessons are filled with videos, songs, stories, and games designed especially for kids.