| Peter Losha | |
|---|---|
| Born | Pjetër Losha |
| Died | 1374 |
| Title | despotes |
| Religion | Orthodox Christian |
| Children | Gjin Losha |
Peter Losha (Albanian: Pjetër Losha, Serbian: Petar Ljoša, Greek: Petros Leōsas) was a 14th-century Albanian despot of Despotate of Arta from 1359 to his death in 1374 under Simeon Uroš.[1][2]
In 1346-1348 Epirus became a part of the Serbian Empire and Albanian tribes were defeated by Stefan Dushan.
He led the Albanian force against Nikephoros II Orsini at the Battle of Achelous (1359) that won him the rule of Arta, he founded his domain around Arta with the help of the Mazarakii (Vlachs) and Malakasei (Albanian) tribes.[3] Nikephoros died during the battle, which made Simeon Uroš approach him.
He was given the title of despotes by Serbian ruler of Epirus and Thessaly Simeon Uroš in 1359. Simeon soon divided Aetolia (southern Epirus with Arta) between Peter and John Shpata, Peter received the region of Arta and John received Angelokastron.[4]
In 1366, Thomas II Preljubović succeeded Simeon as Ruler of Epirus and Peter remained the despot of Arta.
He died in 1374, because of a plague in Arta and his despotate was united with the Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto under the rule, of his relative Gjin Bua Shpata.[5]
He had a son, Gjin Losha (Jovan Ljoša, Ioannēs I Leōsas) who ruled briefly for a year (1374–1375) before being deposed.
"History of Albanian People" Albanian Academy of Science.ISBN 99927-1-623-1
| Preceded by Post created |
Despot of Arta Under the Serbian Empire 1359–1374 |
Succeeded by Gjin Bua Shpata |