Information about Lord Balša II Balšić of Zeta

Lord Balša II Balšić of Zeta ((unknown) - 18 September 1385)

Balša Balšić (Serbian Cyrillic: Балша Балшић), known in historiography as Balša II, was the Lord of Lower Zeta from 1378 to 1385. He managed to expand his borders towards the south, defeating the Albanian duke Karl Thopia.

He was a member of the Balšić noble family, which ruled Zeta (with Scutari) from 1360 to 1421.

On January 13, 1378, he came to power in Zeta after the death of his older brother, Đurađ I. His power was felt only in the region around Scutari and in the eastern part of Zeta's coast. The most prominent feudal lords who did not recognize Balša's rule were their sworn enemies, the Đurašević-Crnojević family, who were allies of the Republic of Venice.

In 1385, Balša II started the war for the conquest of Durazzo, taking it following four attempts. In 1385, the defeated ruler Karl Topia appealed to Murat I for assistance, and the Ottoman Army led by Hajruddin Pasha routed the Balšići at the Battle of Savra, on the Saurian field, near Lushnjë. The Ottomans chopped Balša's head off and sent it as an exclusive gift to Hajreddin Pasha. This marks the end of the rule of his family over Durazzo.

His title was ГОСПОДИН ("gospodin", lord), while after taking over Durazzo, he had the right to add the title of duke. In documents he is also styled as:

- magnificus dominus Balsa Balsich, Gente, Canine et Avlonae dominus ("Lord of Kanina and Avlona"), 1372
- дѹка драчки; дука Драчки ("Duke of Drač / Durrës), in Charter to Ragusa, April 24, 1385.

Lord Balša II Balšić of Zeta reigned in...
Reigned asIn CountryFromToCoins Issued
Господин Балша II Балшић (Lord Balša II Balšić) Flag of Zeta, Principality of Zeta, Principality of 13 January 1378 18 September 1385
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