Gjergj Kastrioti was born in 1405, the son of Gjon Kastrioti, a respected prince in Albania. His early life was dominated by the rising power of the Ottoman Empire.

As a young boy, he was sent as a hostage to the Ottoman court, a common practice to ensure the loyalty of vassal nobles. Here, he was converted to Islam and educated.

His exceptional skill in military strategy and combat earned him the name 'Iskender Bey' (Lord Alexander), which was later Albanized to Skanderbeg.

This period of his life was crucial, as he learned the tactics and weaknesses of the very army he would one day fight against.