Born: 6 May 1405 · Died: 17 January 1468 · Age at death: 62
How old was Skanderbeg when he died?
Skanderbeg died aged 62. He was born on 6 May 1405 and died on 17 January 1468.
National hero of Albania who resisted the Ottoman Empire
Did you know?He was raised in the Ottoman court and served as a high-ranking commander before returning to his homeland to lead a rebellion.
Quick facts
Date of birth6 May 1405
Date of death17 January 1468
Age at death62
Cause of deathMalaria
NationalityAlbanian
BirthplaceSinë, Albania
Occupationaristocrat, statesperson, military commander
Editor's Take:
Gjergj Kastrioti was taken as a boy to serve the Ottoman sultan. He rose to become a respected commander in the Ottoman army. In 1443 he deserted and returned to his homeland. He raised the flag of rebellion at Krujë and united rival Albanian lords. For a quarter of a century he held off much larger armies. Popes praised him as a champion of Christendom. Today his statue stands in the centre of Tirana.
Key Milestones
1443: Rebels against the Ottomans
1444: Forms the League of Lezhë
1450: Defends Krujë
Gjergj Kastrioti (also known as Skanderbeg; c. 1405 – 17 January 1468) was an Albanian nobleman and military leader who led the League of Lezhë in the Ottoman-Albanian Wars until his death. Skanderbeg is considered to be a major figure of medieval Albanian history and today is the national hero of Albania.
