Uglješa Mrnjavčević facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jovan Uglješa
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| Born |
Jovan Uglješa Mrnjavčević
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| Died | 26 September 1371 |
| Cause of death | Killed in action |
| Title | Grand Voivode (Veliki Vojvoda) Despot |
| Spouse(s) | Jelena (Jefimija) |
| Parent(s) | Mrnjava |
Jovan Uglješa Mrnjavčević was an important Serbian nobleman from the Middle Ages. He was part of the Mrnjavčević family. Jovan Uglješa was one of the most powerful leaders in the Serbian Empire.
He held the special title of despot. This title was given to him by the Serbian Emperor Stefan Uroš V. Jovan Uglješa's brother, Vukašin, was also a king and co-ruler with the Emperor.
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Early Life and Family
Jovan Uglješa was the son of a man named Mrnjava. His father was a treasurer for Helen of Anjou. She was the queen of Stephen Uroš I of Serbia.
In 1346, during the rule of Emperor Stefan Dušan, Uglješa controlled a region called Travunia.
Marriage and Power
Jovan Uglješa married a woman named Jelena. She later became a nun known as Jefimija. Jelena was the daughter of Vojihna, who was a powerful leader with the title of Caesar in the city of Drama.
This marriage helped Uglješa become even more powerful. He started to rule the region alongside his father-in-law. When Vojihna passed away around 1360, Uglješa took over all of his lands.
In 1365, Empress Helena of Bulgaria gave Uglješa the important title of despotes. His territory was located along the lower part of the Struma River. The city of Serres was the main center of his rule.
His lands were under the religious authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople starting in 1368. The Patriarch even mentioned Jovan Uglješa in a letter from 1371. He called him the "master of Raška" (another name for Serbia).
Fighting the Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire was growing stronger and becoming a threat in the Balkans. Jovan Uglješa and his brothers, Vukašin Mrnjavčević and Gojko Mrnjavčević, decided to stand against the Ottomans.
The Battle of Maritsa
Jovan Uglješa was killed on September 26, 1371. This happened during a major battle called the Battle of Maritsa. Their army fought against the forces of Ottoman commanders Lala Shahin Pasha and Gazi Evrenos.
Sadly, Uglješa's troops were defeated. This loss meant that large parts of the Macedonia region came under Ottoman control. Both Jovan Uglješa and his brother Vukašin were killed in this battle. Their bravery in fighting the Turks made them heroes in Bulgarian and Serbian epic poetry.
See also
- House of Mrnjavčević
- Serbian epic poetry
