Peter Losha

Peter Losha (Albanian: Pjetër Losha, Greek: Πέτρος Λέοσας, Pétros Léosas, Serbian Cyrillic: Петар Љош) was an Albanian nobleman in medieval Epirus, the leader of the Mazaraki and Malakasi clans, who served as the despot of Arta from 1359 until his death in 1374, mostly as vassal under Serbian magnates Simeon Uroš (1359–1366) and Toma Preljubović (1366–1367, 1370–1374), though at times independent (1367-1370). Peter and John Bua Spata had been given the title despot in 1359 by Simeon Uroš, the brother of deceased Emperor Stefan Dušan, following their victory over Nikephoros II Orsini, who had sought to recover Epirus.

Origin

Losha's genealogy or birth date is unknown. The word lios means "pockmark" in Albanian. Albanian historians consider him Albanian, while a Vlach (Aromanian) origin has also been given by some historians; Croatian historian Milan Šufflay (1879–1931) spoke of an Albano-Aromanian symbiosis in the Pindus, and discussed the nationality of the Losha, Bua and Shpata.

In the first half of the 14th century, mercenaries, raiders and migrants flooded into Greece (1325 and 1334 raids into Thessaly). These were known in Greek as Albanians, from their area of origin, but they also included Vlachs. In 1358, Albanians and Vlachs overran Epirus, Acarnania and Aetolia, and subsequently established two principalities under their leaders, John Spata and Peter Losha.

Despot of Arta

Magnates of the Serbian Empire in 1360.

Losha led the Albanian force against Nikephoros II Orsini at the Battle of Achelous that won him the rule of Arta; he founded his domain around Arta with the help of the Mazaraki and Malakasi clans. The domains he gained after the battle also included Rogoi (modern Filippiada) and Amphilochia, as mentioned in the Chronicle of Ioannina. To emphasize his suzerainty over the rulers in Epirus, Simeon Uroš granted him the title of despot in 1359–60, which was possibly an act of mere recognition of his rule after the battle of Achelous.

In 1366, Toma Preljubović succeeded Simeon as ruler of Epirus. His rule marked a renewal of hostilities in the region as from 1367 to 1370, Ioannina, the capital of Preljubović, came under constant siege and was blocked by the Mazaraki and Malakasi clans under Losha. A truce was signed when Peter's son John was betrothed to Toma's daughter Irina.

According to the Ioanninna chronicle he died in 1373–74 (year 6882). The cause of death has been given as a result of an outbreak of plague in Arta, or an assassination by the Mazaraki. The lordship passed briefly to his son John (Gjin) before coming under the rule of John Spata.

His estates included the Epirote cities of:

• Arta,
• Rogoi or Roga (modern Filippiada)
• Amphilochia

и Петар Љоша је владао градовима Арта и Роге, а Ђин Буа Спата градо- вина Ахелој и Ангелокастрон; опширно о њима

He had a son, John (alb. "Gjin" or "Gjon"), who married Irina Preljubović, the daughter of Toma.