Battle of Zemen

The Battle of Velbazhd was part of the Bulgarian–Serbian wars. While Bulgaria and Byzantium were at war, the Kingdom of Serbia conquered lands belonging to both states. This prompted the Bulgarians to retaliate. Tsar Michael III Shishman Asen formed an anti-Serbian coalition with the Byzantine emperor and the rulers of Wallachia, Moldavia and the Black Jassic people. On 19 July 1330, the Bulgarian ruler marched towards Serbia with a large army, which was joined by the allied armies. The troops passed through a mountain pass linking Serdica with Velbazhd. There they fought a battle at Zemen Fortress.

The fortress was successfully captured. The troops continued towards Velbazhd, present-day Kyustendil.