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 emerged as a national hero, leading resistance against the Ottoman Empire. After centuries of Ottoman rule, Albania declared independence in 1912. The country faced various challenges throughout the 20th century, including World War I and II, and a communist regime that lasted until the early 1990s. Today, Albania is a democratic republic and a member of NATO and the European Union.