Nicholas Pal Dukagjini

Nicholas Dukagjini (Albanian: Nikollë Dukagjini) was an Albanian nobleman of the Dukagjini family in the 15th century. He was the son of Pal Dukagjini, one of the founding members of the League of Lezhë. Nicholas Dukagjini fled to Italy after the second Siege of Shkodra in 1479, but is well known for the return to his homeland two years later, together with Skanderbeg’s son Gjon Kastrioti and other noblemen to lead the armed movement against the Ottomans.

Nicholas Dukagjini was the son of Pal Dukagjini (1411–1458). He had three brothers: Lekë, Progon and Gjergj, of whom only Lekë was politically notable and is often mentioned besides his brother. Nicholas Dukagjini married Chiranna Arianiti, daughter of Gjergj Arianiti, and had one child that survived, a son Progon.

After the death of Skanderbeg in 1468, Nicholas Dukagjini and his brothers Lekë and Progon were allied to Venice. In 1471, Nicholas’ brother Progon is mentioned dead.

Following the Ottoman retreat after the first Siege of Shkodra in August 1474, the Turkish army destroyed and burned the inhabited surrounding region, including the castle of Dagnum, despite a strong resistance led by the brothers Nicholas and Lekë Dukagjini. The Ottoman Empire captured Krujë in June 1478, and shortly afterwards, Drivast and Alessio (Lezhë). Many local fighters were engaged in the defense of the town during the second Siege of Shkodra between 1478 and 1479, including several ex-warriors of Skanderbeg. Teodor and Budomir Dukagjini, two cousins of Nicholas, were among the fallen in this battle.