Glimpse of European History Thread #245

A prince takes on an empire to restore his nation's freedom.

He fails, but paves the way for future success.

An imperial project is underway.

Story in the evening … https://t.co/B4phIDJ4Ld

— Ranjith Kollannur (@Arby_K) October 28, 2022

A prince takes on an empire to restore his nation's freedom.

He fails, but paves the way for future success.

An imperial project is underway.

Nemanja was born in 1113 to Zavid. His father may have been a son of Uroš, Veliki Župan of Raška (Serbia). Uroš may have descended from the kings of Duklja (Zeta / Montenegro), who briefly ruled over Raška, though Raška had to accept Byzantine suzerainty later. 1/10

Nemanja was the youngest of the four sons of Zavid. His elder brothers were Tihomir, Stracimir and Miroslav. He was born in Zeta, and his father had ties with Zahumlje (Hum / Herzegovina). In 1166, Nemanja's eldest brother, Tihomir, became the Veliki Župan of Raška. 2/10

After Uroš died, his sons, Uroš and Desa, invaded Duklja and allied with the Hungarians and the Normans (Sicily) against Constantinople. However, they were defeated, and the brothers were forced to submit to them. In 1166, the emperor put Tihomir in charge of Raška. 3/10

Nemanja was given the rule of Dubočica, while Stracimir ruled near West Morava River and Miroslav in Zahumlje. In 1166, Tihomer had Nemanja imprisoned, but he managed to escape. He returned with an army, expelled Tihomir and took over Raška. 4/10

Tihomer sought imperial help and returned in 1168 to take back Raška. However, it was Nemanja who prevailed at Pantino. He was confirmed as the Veliki Župan of Raška. He then allied with Venice and Hungary against Byzantium attacking Byzantine held Kotor. 5/10

However, the alliance faltered after both allies were beset by internal problems. Nemanja surrendered to the emperor and managed to retain control of Raška. In 1176, Nemanja rose up against Bogomilism, a version of Christianity approved neither by Rome nor by Constantinople. 6/10

Emperor Manuel Komnenos died in 1180 and was succeeded by his 11 year old son, Alexios. However, Andronikos Komnenos, a cousin of Emperor Manuel, usurped power, and plunging Constantinople into a brief period of chaos amidst unpopular rule. 7/10

Nemanja took advantage of the chaos and invaded Byzantium allying with Hungary. He managed to take over Skopje, Kosovo & Niš, but had to change allies when Hungary made peace with Byzantium in 1185. Andronikos had been killed and Constantinople had a new imperial dynasty. 8/10

Nemanja attacked Dubrovnik on the Adriatic in alliance with the Normans. But when they failed against Constantinople, Nemanja sought to ally with the Holy Roman Emperor and his Crusaders. This too didn't work out and eventually Nemanja made peace with Constantinople. 9/10

In 1196, Nemanja abdicated in favour of his middle son, Stefan, who would later be crowned king of Serbia. His eldest son, Vukan, was given charge of Zeta, while the youngest, Rastko, became a priest and the first Archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church. 10/10

Originally tweeted by Ranjith Kollannur (@Arby_K) on October 28, 2022.

Stefan Nemanja, Veliki Župan of Raška (1166-1196) – The first stage for independent Serbia. An earlier principality of Serbia existed, but mostly under Byzantine or briefly Bulgar suzerainty, until Nemanja set the path for an independent Serbia and an independent church (Serbian Orthodox Church).