description
Scanderbeg (given name Gjergj Kastrioti), the legendary 15th century warrior and leader, is the national hero of Albanians. With a small army under his command he successfully fended off several major Ottoman crusades against his homeland for about 25 years. His military campaigns are credited as being one of the main reasons that prevented Western Europe from falling under Ottoman occupation. For that Scanderbeg was recognized by Pope Pius II and Pope Nicholas V with the title Athleta Christi (Champion of Christ). He is considered as one of the most famous military leaders of all times. Since then numerous historical books have been published about him in several languages. The first to circulate in Western Europe was the work of Marin Barleti (Marinus Barletius), in early 16th century. Several novels, dramas, poems and other works by famous authors have been published about Scanderbeg as well.