Albania, nestled in the Balkan Peninsula, has a rich history shaped by various civilizations and empires that have influenced its cultural and political landscape. Ancient Beginnings and Roman Influence Originally inhabited by the Illyrians, the region became part of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BC. Post-Roman division, it was under Byzantine influence, which significantly impacted its cultural and religious fabric. Medieval Albania and Ottoman Domination The Middle Ages saw Albania as a collection of feudal states, briefly unified under the national hero Skanderbeg in the 15th century who resisted Ottoman conquest. Following his death, Albania fell under Ottoman rule for over four centuries, deeply embedding Islamic influences into Albanian culture. Independence and the 20th Century The late 19th century sparked the Albanian National Awakening, leading to independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. The 20th century was marked by brief monarchy, Italian occupation during WWII, and a communist regime post-war under Enver Hoxha, which isolated Albania until his death in 1985.