Zaharia was an Albanian noble family that appears for the first time mentioned in the 14th century along with other Albanian noble families, such as the Blinishti family, and the Thopia family.[1] A certain Nicholas Zaharija is first mentioned in 1385 as a Balsha family commander and governor of Budva in 1363.[2] After more than twenty years of fidelity, Nicholas Zaharia revolted in 1386 and became ruler of Budva. However in 1389 George II Balsha recaptured the city.[3]
In 1396, due to a favorable political situation, Koja Zaharija captured the castle of Danjë and declared himself a vassal of the Ottomans. He maintained the control of the region and upon his death, they were passed to his only son Lekë Zaharia. After a quarrel with Dukagjini Family, Lekë Zaharia was killed in an ambush. Having no heirs his mother gave the city of Danjë to Venice Republic and this led to Albanian–Venetian War (1447–1448).[4]
Pjetër Zakaria, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sapë and of Dagnum