Successors of the Mrnjav?evi? family and theritories under their power 1371-1459

Abstract

Ph.D. Thesis “Successors of the Mrnjavcevic family and territories under their power 1370-1395” is a continuation of a centuries-old interest of national and foreign historians in the past of Serbia and southeastern Europe in the second half of 14th century. The weakening of the state of Nemanjic coincides with a new wave of Turkish presence on the continent, which permanently changed the past not only of the Balkans. Both King Vukasin and despot Jovan Ugljesa participated in the events and processes of global significance. Their rise has drawn special attention because it is usually associated with the end of Empire but also because the activity in the next period of King Marko and his three brothers (Andrejas, Ivanis and Dmitar) is at the center of the research. Besides, after the battle of Maritsa, mainly in the east of the Vardar River, more spacious state of brothers despot Jovan Dragas and gospodin (lord) Konstantin emerged. In order to explain this phenomenon, the biography of their parents, despot Dejan and Teodora, the paternal half-sister of Stefan Dusan, was extensively researched. General circumstances had contributed much more to their rises and falls than their personal characteristics. State polity, based on appanages, co-ruled principalities, “zemlja” - lands and “država” states, was especially distinguished. After the battle of Maritsa, Serbian independent land lords from the south established their dominions but over time they increasingly retreated before their north neighbours (knez Lazar, Vuk Brankovic, the Balsic family). In order to understand the multilayered relationships it was necessary to study complex and dynamic, political and diplomatic, administrative, economic, demographic, religious, cultural and spiritual and other processes within the two states and throughout divided Empire. New and interesting views occurred with the general conclusion that at the courts of king Marko and Dragas brothers, Serbian state policy was coordinated with increasingly modest possibilities. Also, the relationships with other substantial Balkan forces were researched with the conclusion that the Dejanovic family could have a significant influence on the situation in the Adriatic and Ionian hinterland, and Epirus and Thessaly. Over time, the Turks pressured more powerfully and comprehensively, so that the power of the two states weakened increasingly. There is not much source data on the Ottoman position towards the two courts; therefore a large section is devoted to the issues of Turkish vassalage in general and to the stages of their conquests. The key events which are singled out are the fall of Serres (1383) and Thessaloniki (1387) and in particular the battle of Kosovo. Deaths of King Marko and gospodin (lord) Constantine at the battle of Rovine 1395 were followed by probably silent vanishing of their states. Their contours are preserved in the early Ottoman administrative units. Besides, many lower institutions and numerous individuals adapted to the government…