The Statutes of Drisht

Hidden for centuries and long thought lost, The Statutes of Drisht is a remarkable medieval manuscript that sheds light on the governance, laws, and religious life of one of Albania's most significant historical cities. Originally written in Latin in 1468, this legal document--housed today in the Danish Royal Library--offers a rare glimpse into the unique blend of Roman, Byzantine, and local customary law that shaped the Adriatic region. This volume presents, for the first time, a complete translation of the Statuta et Ordinationes Capituli Ecclesiae Cathedralis Drivastensis, alongside high-resolution photographs of the original manuscript. Through years of dedicated research and archival discoveries across Europe, scholars have pieced together the story of Drisht's cathedral chapter, its noble families, and the pivotal role the city played in medieval Albania. Combining rigorous historical analysis with an accessible narrative, this book is an invaluable resource for historians, legal scholars, and anyone interested in the medieval Balkans. It stands as a testament to Albania's rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of its written laws.