Progon was the first Albanian ruler known by name, an archon of the Kruja Fortress (modern Krujë) and its surroundings, known as the Principality of Arbanon. He ruled between 1190 and 1198. Progon was succeeded by his two sons, Gjin, and Dimitri.
Life Progon's realm was the first Albanian state during the Middle Ages.Clements 1992, p. 31 "By 1190, Byzantium's power had so receded that the archon Progon succeeded in establishing the first Albanian state of the Middle Ages, a principality"Pickard-Çeliku 2008, p. 16Norris 1993, p. 35 Little is known about archon Progon who was the first ruler of Kruja and its surroundings,Fine, p. 51 between 1190 and 1198.Frashëri 1964, p. 42 "The territories of this principality extended over the present- day districts of central Albania. Its capital was at Kruja. The first ruler of the Principality of Arberia was Archon Progon (1190-1198) about whose life and doings we know.." The Kruja fortress stayed in the possession of the Progoni family, and Progon was succeeded by his sons Gjin, and later Dimitri.Anamali-Prifti 2002, p. 215 Before 1204, Arbanon was an autonomous principality of the Byzantine Empire.Ellis, p. 134 He is mentioned with his two sons in an inscription from the St. Mary Monastery in Trifandina, Gëziq, northern Albania.Curta, p. 340 The titles archon (held by Progon) and panhypersebastos (held by Dimitri) is a sign of Byzantine dependence.Abulafia, p. 780
Family Progon (founder), archon of Kruja ruled (between 1190 and 1198) Gjin Progoni, ruled 1198–1208 Dimitri Progoni, ruled 1208–1216, married Komnena Nemanjić, the daughter of Serbian Grand Prince, later King Stefan Nemanjić (r. 1196–1228).Jordan 2003, p. 114Frashëri 1964, p. 43Bogdanović-Samardžić 1990, p. 37: "Димитрије Прогон се назива „архонтом Арбанаса" и ступа у међународне везе - са Дубровником, Венецијом и, најзад немањићком Србијом; ожењен је Комнином, кћерком Стефана Првовенчаног." This resulted in an alliance, and vassalage to Serbia amidst conflicts with the Republic of Venice.
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