Tsar Ivan Asen II

Ivan Asen II, also known as John Asen II, was a son of Tsar Ivan Asen I. He was born in 1190 and died on 24 June 1241. After Tsar Kaloyan’s death, a struggle for the throne began among the nephews of the Asen rulers. Boril consequently ascended the throne in 1207 and ruled until 1218. During the political crisis, Ivan Asen II and his brother Alexander were forced to flee and seek refuge among the Cumans and the Rus’ princes. After ten years in exile, they returned to Bulgaria in 1217 with Rus’ mercenaries to restore their authority over the Bulgarian state. In the spring of 1218, Ivan Asen II was proclaimed tsar of the Bulgarians, and Boril was deposed.

Ivan Asen II ruled the Bulgarian state from 1218 until 24 June 1241. His reign was distinguished by highly successful military and diplomatic policies, through which he restored Bulgaria’s borders to three seas. He recovered the Belgrade territories from Hungary without war. Despot Slav, who ruled the Rhodopes and part of Macedonia, also recognised his authority. At this time, the Despotate of Epirus was steadily expanding its territory. The Latins frequently sought protection and assistance from the Bulgarian tsar, providing the Epirote despot with a reason to attack Bulgarian lands.