Michael Asen III (Bulgarian: Михаил Асен III, Mihail Asen III, commonly called Michael Shishman (Михаил Шишман, Mihail Šišman) or Michael III Shishman), ruled as emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from 1323 to 1330. The date of his birth is unknown. (The common usage Michael Shishman is technically inaccurate, as it consists of the name "Michael" followed by the patronymic "Shishman", i.e., "Michael [the son of] Shishman". Contemporary Bulgarian and Byzantine sources show that this emperor reigned under the name "Michael Asen".) Monomakhs Cap symbol of Russian autocracy, the crown of Russian grand princes and tsars Czar and tzar redirect here. ... Events Canonization of Saint Thomas Aquinas Lithuania: Vilnius becomes capital August 12 - The Treaty of Nöteborg between Sweden and Novgorod (Russia) is signed, regulating the border for the first time Pharos of Alexandira Lighthouse (one of the Seven Wonders of the world) is destroyed by a series of earthquakes... Events The Bulgars under Michael III are beaten by the Serbs at Velbuzhd, and large parts of Bulgaria fall to Serbia. ...

Rise to the throne

Michael Asen III was the son of the despotēs Shishman of Vidin by an unnamed daughter of the sebastokratōr Peter and Anna (Theodora), herself daughter of Ivan Asen II and Eirene of Thessalonica. He was also a distant cousin of his predecessors on the Bulgarian throne, Theodore Svetoslav and George Terter II. Ivan Asen II (also archaic Ioan Asen II or English John Asen II) (1218–1241), emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria, was the son of Ivan Asen I, one of the founders of the Second Bulgarian Empire. ... The White Tower The Arch of Galerius Map showing the Thessaloníki prefecture Thessaloníki (Θεσσαλονίκη) is the second-largest city of Greece and is the principal city and the capital of the Greek region of Macedonia. ... Theodore Svetoslav (Bulgarian: Тодор Светослав, Todor Svetoslav and also Теодор Светослав, Teodor Svetoslav), ruled as emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from 1300 to 1322. ... Tsar George II of Bulgaria was monarch of Bulgaria from 1322 to 1323. ...

Since the middle of the 13th century, the area of Vidin had been effectively autonomous under ineffective Bulgarian overlordship, and was ruled successively by Jakov Svetoslav (died 1276), Shishman (died between 1308 and 1313), and then the future Michael Asen III. Shishman and his son received the high courtly title of despotēs from their cousin Theodore Svetoslav and, on the childless death of young George Terter II in 1323, Michael Asen III was elected emperor of Bulgaria by the nobility. For broader historical context, see 1270s and 13th century. ... Events Henry VII is elected as king of the Holy Roman Empire. ... Events Siege of Rostock ends Foundation year of the Order of the Rose Cross (Rosicrucian Order), according to the Rosicrucian Fellowship. ... Events Canonization of Saint Thomas Aquinas Lithuania: Vilnius becomes capital August 12 - The Treaty of Nöteborg between Sweden and Novgorod (Russia) is signed, regulating the border for the first time Pharos of Alexandira Lighthouse (one of the Seven Wonders of the world) is destroyed by a series of earthquakes...

The death of George Terter II had been followed by a brief period of confusion and uncertainty, which was exploited by the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos. The Byzantines overran northeastern Thrace and captured a number of important cities. At the same time, a Byzantine-sponsored pretender, Vojsil, brother of the former Bulgarian emperor Smilec, ensconced himself in Krăn, controlling the valley between the Balkan mountains and Sredna Gora. At this point the newly elected Michael Asen III marched south against Andronikos III, while another Byzantine army was besieging Philippopolis (Plovdiv). Andronicus III Palaeologus (c. ... Thrace (Bulgarian: Тракия, Trakiya; Greek: Θράκη, ThrákÄ“; Latin: Thracia or Threcia, Turkish: Trakya, Macedonian: Тракија) is a historical and geographic area in southeast Europe. ... Tsar Smilets of Bulgaria was married to Princess Maria of Byzantine. ... Stara Planina, Rhodope, Rila and Pirin Mountains The Balkan mountain range (Bulgarian: Stara Planina, Old Mountain) is an extension of the Carpathian mountain range, separated from it by the Danube River. ... A view of Sredna Gora from the Thracian tomb near Starosel Sredna Gora (Средна Гора) is a mountain range in central Bulgaria, situated parallel with Stara Planina and extending to the river Iskar to the west and the elbow of Tundzha north of Yambol to the east. ... Plovdiv (Bulgarian: Пловдив) is the second largest city in Bulgaria, with a population of 376,918. ...

Although Michael Asen III managed to force Andronikos III to retreat, the Byzantines managed to take the Philippopolis while the Bulgarians were changing garrisons. In spite of this loss, Michael Asen III was able to expel Vojsil and recover Bulgarian control over northern and northeastern Thrace in 1324. This situation was confirmed by a peace treaty with the Byzantine Empire, which was cemented by Michael Asen III's marriage to Theodora Palaiologina, the sister of Andronikos III Palaiologos, who had been previously married to Theodore Svetoslav of Bulgaria. Events Publication of Defensor pacis by Marsilius of Padua Mansa Kankan Musa I, ruler of the Mali Empire arrives in Cairo on his hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. ... Byzantine Empire (native Greek name: - Basileia tōn Romaiōn) is the term conventionally used since the 19th century to describe the Greek-speaking Roman Empire of the Middle Ages, centered at its capital in Constantinople. ... Theodore Svetoslav (Bulgarian: Тодор Светослав, Todor Svetoslav and also Теодор Светослав, Teodor Svetoslav), ruled as emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from 1300 to 1322. ...

To marry Theodora, Michael Asen III divorced his first wife Anna (Neda), a sister of the Serbian King Stefan Uroš III Dečanski. The Bulgaro-Byzantine alliance and Michael Asen III's divorce from Anna (Neda) resulted in a natural worsening of relations with Serbia. Undaunted, Michael Asen III undertook to support Stefan Vladislav II as a rival to Serbia's king, his former brother-in-law Stefan Uroš III. However, Stefan Vladislav failed in 1324, and Michael Asen III spent the next several years at peace with his neighbors. Stefan Decanski was son of King Stefan Uros II Milutin. ... Motto: none Anthem: Bože pravde (English: God of Justice) Capital Belgrade Largest city Belgrade Official language(s) Serbian1 Government Republic  - President Boris Tadić  - Prime Minister Vojislav KoÅ¡tunica Formation and independence    - Formation of Serbia 814   - Formation of the Serbian Empire 1345   - Independence from the Ottoman Empire July 13, 1878... Stephen Ladislaus II (Stefan Vladislav II, Стефан Владислав II) was Serb king (1321-1324), son of king Dragutin and Hungarian princess Katarina. ... Events Publication of Defensor pacis by Marsilius of Padua Mansa Kankan Musa I, ruler of the Mali Empire arrives in Cairo on his hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. ...

Involvement in Byzantine civil war

In 1327 Michael Asen III involved himself in the renewed civil war in the Byzantine Empire, taking the side of his brother-in-law Andronikos III, while his grandfather and rival Andronikos II obtained the support of the Serbian king. Andronikos III and Michael Asen III met and concluded an aggressive alliance against Serbia. Events January 25 - Edward III becomes King of England. ... Byzantine Empire (native Greek name: - Basileia tōn Romaiōn) is the term conventionally used since the 19th century to describe the Greek-speaking Roman Empire of the Middle Ages, centered at its capital in Constantinople. ... Andronicus II Palaeologus (1260 - February 13, 1332), Byzantine emperor, was the elder son of Michael VIII Palaeologus, whom he succeeded in 1282. ...

Nevertheless, Michael Asen III entered into negotiations with Andronikos II, offering military support in exchange for money and the cession of border lands. Advancing to the frontier with his army, Michael Asen III sent a detachment to ostensibly help Andronikos II, but intended to actually capture the emperor. Forewarned by his grandson, Andronikos II prudently kept the Bulgarian detachment away from the capital and his person.

Giving up on his ploy, Michael Asen III attempted to gain some lands by force, but retreated before the advance of Andronikos III. Another showdown in front of Adrianople in 1328 ended without battle and with the renewal of the peace treaty, after which Michael Asen III returned to his country, but not before securing a large payoff. Edirne is a city in (Thrace), the westernmost part of Turkey, close to the borders with Greece and Bulgaria. ... Events Augustiner brew Munich May 1 - Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton - England recognises Scotland as an independent nation after the Wars of Scottish Independence May 12 - Nicholas V is consecrated at St Peters Basilica in Rome by the bishop of Venice. ...

War against Serbia

After another meeting with Andronikos III in 1329, Michael Asen III prepared for joint military operations against Serbia. According to the Serbian chroniclers, he arrogantly demanded the submission of the Serbian king and threatened to "set up his throne in the middle of the Serbian land". Events Antipope Nicholas V is excommunicated by Pope John XXII. Aimone of Savoy becomes Count of Savoy. ...

In 1330, expecting to join the army of Andronikos III advancing from the south, Michael Asen III marched on Serbia with a large force, including reinforcements from his vassals and allies in Wallachia and Moldavia. The Bulgarian army encamped near Velbăžd (Kjustendil) and dispersed for the acquisition of provisions while awaiting further reinforcements and the arrival of its Byzantine allies. Events The Bulgars under Michael III are beaten by the Serbs at Velbuzhd, and large parts of Bulgaria fall to Serbia. ... This article is about the region in what is now Southern Romania. ... Moldavia (Moldova in Romanian) was a Romanian principality, originally created in the Middle Ages, now divided between Romania, Moldovan Republic and Ukraine. ... Kyustendil Kyustendil (Bulgarian: Кюстендил, historically Велбъжд, Velbazhd) is a town in the very west of Bulgaria, the capital of Kyustendil Province, with a population of 47,196 (2005 calculation). ...

The Serbians, led by Stefan Uroš III Dečanski, were also unpepared to give battle, and had agreed to a one-day truce. Receiving a sizable reinforcement led by his son Stefan Dušan during the night, the Serbian king attacked early on July 28, 1330 and caught the Bulgarian army by surprise. In spite of an attempt to bring their army to order, the Bulgarians and their allies were crushed. Badly wounded as his horse was killed under him, Michael Asen III was captured by the Serbians. He expired from his wounds on the fourth day of his captivity, on July 31, according to the Byzantine emperor and historian, John Kantakouzenos. Tsar Stefan Uroš IV Dušan Silni (the mighty) (Цар Стефан Душан Силни) (around 1308-December 20, 1355) was a Serb king (September 8, 1331-1346) and tsar (1346-December 5, 1355). ... July 28 is the 209th day (210th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 156 days remaining. ... Events The Bulgars under Michael III are beaten by the Serbs at Velbuzhd, and large parts of Bulgaria fall to Serbia. ... July 31 is the 212th day (213th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 153 days remaining. ... John VI Cantacuzenus (c. ...

Overview

Michael Asen III was a vain, aggressive, and opportunistic ruler, whose Protean foreign policy perhaps contributed to the disaster that put an end to his life. At the same time he was clearly forceful and energetic, overcoming and reversing Bulgaria's losses during the uncertainty that preceded his accession, and managing to maintain internal peace and security within Bulgaria during his short reign. Proteus as seen by Andrea Alciato In Greek mythology, Proteus is an early sea-god, one of several deities whom Homer calls the Old Man of the Sea[1], whose name suggests the first, as protogonos is the firstborn. He became the son of Poseidon in the Olympian theogony (Odyssey...

Family

Michael Asen III was married first to Anna (Neda), a daughter of Stefan Uroš II Milutin of Serbia. By this marriage he had several children, including: Stephen Uros II Milutin of Serbia was king of Serbia from 1282 to 1321. ...

1. Ivan Stefan, who succeeded as emperor of Bulgaria 1330-1331
2. Michael (Mihail)
3. Shishman (Šišman)

By his second marriage to Theodora Palaiologina, a daughter of Michael IX Palaiologos of Byzantium, Michael Asen III had several children whose names are unknown. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Michael IX Palaeologus or better Palaiologos (Mikhaēl IX Palaiologos), (April 17, 1278–October 12, 1320), reigned as Byzantine co-emperor with full imperial style 1294/1295–1320. ...

References

• John V.A. Fine, Jr., The Late Medieval Balkans, A Critical Survey from the Late Twelfth Century to the Ottoman Conquest, Ann Arbor (1987)

External links

• Detailed List of Bulgarian Rulers