Tsar Peter IV

Peter II or Peter IV, also known as Kalopeter, was tsar of Bulgaria from 1185 to 1197. Together with his younger brother Ivan Asen, he launched an uprising against the Byzantine Empire in 1185, which ultimately led to the restoration of the Bulgarian state.

The uprising initially targeted Preslav with the aim of proclaiming it the capital. When this attempt failed, the Bulgarian forces declared Tarnovgrad the capital instead. After a series of clashes and truces with the Byzantines, an armistice was signed in the spring of 1188, under which the Byzantine Empire recognised the restoration of the Bulgarian Empire. During the later years of his reign, Peter II worked in partnership with his younger brother Ivan Asen I.

In 1190, Ivan Asen I assumed the principal authority, but Peter II, or Peter IV, continued to participate in government. In 1196, Ivan Asen I was murdered in a conspiracy and Tarnovgrad was seized by the conspirators. Peter then assembled an army, recovered the capital and resumed power. Nevertheless, he too was murdered in 1197.

There is disagreement over whether the tsar should be called Peter II or Peter IV. Some sources regard Peter II as the correct designation, while others prefer Peter IV. Regardless, he remains an important figure in Bulgarian history as a participant in the restoration of the empire after the period of Byzantine rule.