On the Aetolian Achelous river, between the Despotate of Epirus and Albanian chiefs
The Albanian victory ended Nikephoros II Orsini's rule and fragmented the Despotate of Epirus into Albanian-controlled successor states.
Key Facts
- Date
- 1358 or 1359
- Location
- Near the Achelous river, Aetolia, Greece
- Outcome
- Albanian victory; Nikephoros II Orsini killed
- Successor states created
- Despotate of Arta; Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto
- Greek-held territory remaining
- City of Ioannina only
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Tensions between the Despotate of Epirus under Nikephoros II Orsini and Albanian tribal leaders in the region led to armed conflict. Albanian clans, led by Karl Thopia among others, challenged Epirote authority as Albanian settlement and influence in the area had been expanding throughout the mid-fourteenth century.
Near the Achelous river in Aetolia, the Albanian tribesmen engaged and decisively defeated the forces of Nikephoros II Orsini. The Epirote troops suffered heavy casualties, and Nikephoros II Orsini himself was killed in the fighting, eliminating the ruling authority of the Despotate of Epirus.
Following the battle, Albanian clans divided Epirus among themselves, leading to the formation of two new despotates: the Despotate of Arta and the Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto. Of the former Despotate of Epirus, only the city of Ioannina remained under Greek governance and outside Albanian control.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Nikephoros II Orsini.
Side B
1 belligerent
Karl Thopia.