Andrea I Muzaka

Andrea I Muzaka (Albanian: Andrea Muzaka; 12?? – 1319), also known as Andrew Musachi was an Albanian Lord and member of the Muzaka family.

Andrea I Muzaka was an influential Albanian lord and the founder of the Muzaka family, which became one of the principal feudal powers in central Albania.^[1][2] While the identities of his parents remain unknown, he emerged as a prominent ruler in medieval Albania, holding significant titles and territorial control.^[1] He held the Byzantine title of Sevastokrator and was the Lord of Berat, as well as ruling over Myzeqe, establishing himself as a key figure in the region.^[3][4] He was appointed the title of Marshal of the Kingdom of Albania (Marescallus regni Albaniae), holding this position from 1280 to 1319.^[1][2][5] During this time, he was a vassal of the Angevin Kings of Naples, who held suzerainty over the region.^[2][1]

His domain extended across central Albania, including parts of Devoll, Opar, and Skrapar, with Berat serving as the capital of his rule.^[4][3] His territories also included the region of Myzeqe, with its borders extending from the village of Garunja (Carugua), Gosë (Giossi), Bashtovë (Basti), and Miliota at the Shkumbin River.^[4] His control reached down to the river Vjosa and the area known as the Two Stones.^[4] Andrea I also ruled over Tomorrica (Tomornica), with its sixty villages, Selenicë (Selenizza), and the town of Korça (Corizza), as well as various surrounding villages and regions.^[3][4]

In 1319, as part of the crusading efforts led by Philip of Taranto, Pope John XXII sent a series of confidential letters to the Albanian nobility.^[6][7] These letters, dated June 17, 1319, were initiated by the Roman Curia and were not publicly circulated.^[6] Instead, they were intended solely for the recipients, emphasizing the Albanian nobility's role in resisting the heavy tyranny of the treacherous king of Serbia (grava tyrannis of the rex perfidus Rasciae).^[6] The crusade had been prompted by King Milutin of Serbia's persecution of Catholics, which led Pope John XXII to seek support from allies, including Albanian nobles.^[8][7] Among the recipients were Andrea I Muzaka, Marshal of the Kingdom of Albania, and other members of the Muzaka family.^[5]

Andrea I Muzaka's wife is not known but the couple had two children:^[3][4]

• Teodor I Muzaka, also known as "Kischetisi" (meaning "long-haired" or "braided"), held the title Protosebastos and inherited all his father's lands.^[3][9] He married the Daughter of Paul of Ohrid and had two children.^[10]
• Gjin Muzaka

• Muzaka family
• Principality of Muzaka
• Church of St Athanasius of Mouzaki

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