Albanian history dates back to ancient times, with the Illyrians being one of the earliest known groups in the region. The area was later influenced by the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire, which shaped its culture and society. In the 15th century, Skanderbeg, a national hero, led a resistance against the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Albania for several centuries. Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. Throughout the 20th century, the country experienced significant political changes, including a communist regime after World War II. Following the fall of communism in the early 1990s, Albania transitioned to a democratic government and has since sought integration into European structures.