Stephen Uroš I of Serbia
| Stefan Uroš I | |
|---|---|
Stefan Uroš I with his son Dragutin
|
|
| King of Serbia | |
| Reign | 1243–1276 |
| Coronation | 1243 |
| Predecessor | Stefan Vladislav |
| Successor | Stefan Dragutin |
| Born |
c. 1223 Raška |
| Died | May 1, 1277 (aged 55) Hum |
| Spouse | Helen of Anjou |
| Issue |
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| House | Nemanjić dynasty |
| Father | Stefan Nemanjić |
| Mother | Anna Dandolo |
| Religion | Eastern Orthodox |
| Signature |  |
Stefan Uroš I (Serbian Cyrillic: Стефан Урош I; c. 1223 – May 1, 1277), known as Uroš the Great (Урош Велики) was the King of Serbia from 1243 to 1276, succeeding his brother Stefan Vladislav. He was one of the most important rulers in Serbian history.
Stefan Uroš was the youngest son of Stefan the First-Crowned and Anna, the granddaughter of Enrico Dandolo, Doge of Venice. Uroš inherited many personality traits from his mother and paternal grandfather Stefan Nemanja, which raised him above his two older brothers (Stefan Radoslav and Stefan Vladislav).
Scholars have argued that Bulgarian influence had been strong and unpopular, causing opposition that led to Vladislav's deposition after the death of Asen. The revolting nobility had chosen Uroš as their candidate for king; from 1242 to spring 1243, a war for the throne was fought, which ended with Vladislav being forced to give up the crown in favour of Uroš. It seems that Uroš quickly captured Vladislav and held him in prison. The main resistance against Uroš was led by Vladislav's wife, Beloslava. The hostilities did not last long, and the brothers quickly settled. Uroš was courteous towards Vladislav, gave him the administration of Zeta, and allowed him to use the title of "king". It is not known exactly why the nobility revolted against Vladislav, nor are the details of the conflict between the two brothers.
At 25 years of age, very young, he took the throne from his brother Vladislav, and despite not having support from in-laws as was the case with his brothers, he immediately ruled energetic and determined. Prior to his accession, the land had been looted by the Tatars and there were widespread internal conflicts; Uroš managed in a short time to resolve all important issues in the state and in its foreign policy.
The situation in Europe and in the Balkans were quite favorable for Serbia, which he very cleverly used for his benefit. During his reign Serbia significantly strengthened itself and progressed in every way. Uroš correctly determined the direction in political pretensions through penetrating the south in Macedonia and conflict with Hungary in Podunavlje. The land was politically and militarly prepared for serious politics and definitive fortification of Serbia and the Serb people in the Vardar valley and the middle Podunavlje. Apart from this, Uroš also correctly determined the direction of Serbian trade politics, as he on several occasions in his fight against the Republic of Ragusa wanted to eliminate Ragusan brokerage and exploitation in his state.
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