Before the Throne: Early Years of Tsar Ivan Alexander Asen (1331–1371)

Authors:

Pages: 120-133
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/KVHG8041

Abstract:

The article presents some moments of Ivan Alexander’s life before he ascended the throne in 1331. The author suggests that he received good education, characteristic of the higher aristocracy. In the first half of the 14th century, Ivan Alexander became one of the most influential politicians in the Bulgarian Empire. He became a despot and had great support from Tsar Michael III Shishman Asen. Ivan Alexander married Princess Theodora of Wallachia. This shows the strong influence which Bulgaria had in Wallachia. The author also assumes that Ivan Alexander ruled Lovech because the city was important to the Asen family. Ivan Alexander made a great contribution to stopping Serbia’s advance in 1330. He grew up in a time of peace that was of great importance to him.

Keywords:

the first half of the 14th century, Lovech, despots, Princess Theodora, Battle of Velbazhd

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