Venetian attack on Mesembria

The Venetian attack on Mesembria was encouraged by the leadership of the Latin Empire, which was preparing a campaign against the Bulgarians. The struggle for the throne in Tarnovo prompted plans for war with Bulgaria, but these were never carried out. Constantinople apparently knew of Mitso's involvement in court intrigues in Tarnovo, and a Venetian ship was therefore sent against his domain. At the emperor's request, Venetian sailors captured Mesembria and took the relics of St Theodore to Constantinople. Ten years later, the relics were moved to Venice.