Blasius Mataranga
| Blasius Mataranga Vlash Matrënga | |
|---|---|
| Sevastokrator Lord of Karavasta Lord of Slanica[b] Sebastokrator, dominus ad ostium fluminis Vregi ("lord of the mouth of the Vrego River") | |
Coat of Arms of the Mataranga family | |
| Lord of Karavasta | |
| Reign | 1358–1367 |
| Successor | Gjon Mataranga (inherited small portion of his father's lands) |
| Born | Unknown |
| Died | c. 1367 |
| Spouse | Unknown |
| Issue | Gjon Mataranga |
| House | Mataranga |
Blasius Mataranga (Albanian: Vlash Matrënga; 13?? – 1367), also known as Blasius II, Blasii, Blaz, Vlasius, or Vlaxius was an Albanian nobleman and member of the Mataranga family.[a] He played a key role in Albania's regional politics during the mid-14th century, being actively engaged in various power struggles among the local noble families and shaping the political and military landscape. Blasius ruled over a principality from 1358 to 1367, with control over the coastal region between Durrës and Vlorë, including the strategic port of Karavasta. Blasius is referred to in sources as a lord a title that indicated his noble rank and authority, although he did not formally hold the title of prince despite ruling over a principality. He also held the title of sevastokrator, which was a senior Byzantine court title meaning August Ruler and was recognized by Simeon Uroš, the Serbian ruler who claimed the title of Emperor of Serbs and Greeks after the death of Stefan Dušan, the powerful Serbian emperor whose vast empire fragmented following his death.
Following this, Blasius asserted independent control over his territories. His principality, though short-lived, prospered as a trade center, particularly for grain. He used this economic base to strengthen his political position, and Ragusan archives show he frequently engaged in trade negotiations. Blasius was involved in conflicts with neighboring noble families, such as the Thopia and Balsha families, and maintained diplomatic relations with the Republic of Ragusa, focusing on trade agreements. Blasius died around 1367, possibly after being captured and imprisoned by the Balsha family, though the exact circumstances remain uncertain. Following his death, his lands were contested and absorbed by neighboring nobles, leading to the decline of the Mataranga family's influence. His son, Gjon Mataranga, inherited part of his estate, but the Mataranga family soon disappeared from historical records. Blasius is regarded as the last prominent figure of the Mataranga family.