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Scanderbeg
is at the top of the list as our
leader of courage and valor. We will explore his life and also update these
pages with other important people who are honored in Contessa Entellina.
Biography of Scanderbeg.
VIDEO> There is a
Museum of Gjergj Kastriot Scanderbeg,
opened in 1982. |
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Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow, a famous poet, wrote about
Scanderbeg. Vivaldi
wrote an
Scanderbeg opera. Here is an account of other
famous Albanians. Just like in the recent movie, Braveheart, the scene before
a great battle with some of the men wanting to flee in fear for being out
numbered. “I am William
Wallace, and I see a whole army of my countrymen here in defiance of tyranny.
You have come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What will you do
with that freedom? Will you fight? Veteran: (to William) Fight
against that? No, we will run, and we will live. William: (in reply) Aye,
fight and you may die, run and you'll live. At least a while. (shouting to
all) And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to
trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to
come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll
never take our freedom?! Scanderberg
was a great leader, and it can be said, that the courage of a strong leader
brings strength to others. His army was loyal and served God and their
country. |
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Typical
period sword possibly used by Arbreshe army. Learn about the history of
swords. Visit
Albanian Archeology. |
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Skanderberg’s fight for the freedom of his people, was also a fight for religious freedom. The Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, and the subsequent subjection of all of the Greek, Balkan and Arab Orthodox Churches to Turkish political control, effectively put an end to Orthodox initiatives regarding church union, between the Eastern and Western Churches, thus contributing to the Great Schism. Here is a list of
military events during
the 13th to 14th century which give some perspective of humanity’s quest for
land, power and dominance. Here is the
Legacy of Rome which
provided the start of the organized military conquest and techniques of
warfare, which later contributed to the downfall of
Byzantines. The Roman
armies were supported by taxes, while the eastern Romans (Byzantines) had
kept the taxatin/professional
army system.
Scanderberg had the use of mountains where he could engage in surprise
attacks, but there were many other
military strategies.
It is likely that Scanderberg’s army had to overcome
military logistic problems
on a daily basis to feed and supply his soldiers. It is said, “An army
travels on its stomach”, meaning food was needed to strengthen the soldiers.
War is an outgrowth of political and economic decisions, but most wars have
an economic basis. Tribes left their homelands to search for food, natural
resources or to conquer people for cheap labor. It appears Scanderberg was
content with defending his country and people. While the motive for war
appears to be human nature of aggression and dominance. The conquest of
Alexander the Great was an assertion of power. During the 14th century, it was
called the age of
edged-weapon warfare which
included the use of the sword, knife, spear and javelin, clubs, and the bow
and arrow. Battles were fought as close encounters, and battles were
generally of short duration because such strenuous effort tired both men and
horses, as men fought on foot or on horses. Mighty warriors required not only
sword fighting skills but great muscles to swing the sword and shield for
maybe up to an hour to attack and defend himself. The mounted horsemen became
the battle edge that eventually defeated the Romans, then later in military
history gunpowder became the next significant advantage in victory. Most principles of war strategies include clarifying the objective of the campaign; unity of command; mass concentration of force; the element of surprise; proper troop movement; defense of surprise attacks; and efficiency of operation. The flank attack became a successful tactic and was first credited to Hannibal in 216 BC against the Romans. A smaller army, like Scanderbergs against the Turks was successful because their superior fighting skills could instill a loss of hope and then a loss of will. When you suffer a setback do you fall into a loss of hope? Scanderberg’s hope was his faith in Christ and for his people’s future. >Pg. 2> |