Pages: 349-360

The article elucidates one of the unexplored historical pages of the relations between Rus and Bulgaria, which is connected with the military activities of Ivan, who was called Rusin, in 20—30s years of the 14th century. Based on the reports of Greek historical essays, the author investigates some selected episodes of the stay of the warlord of Ruthenian origin in the service of the Bulgarian tsars of Terter and Shishman’s dynasties. The author also reveals his prominent role in the defense of Philippopol (1323), the march to Constantinople (1328) and the battle of Rusokastro (1332). Unresolved is the question of Ivan’s participation in the major battle of Velbazhd on July 28, 1330, the controversy of which is connected with the lack of the necessary specific data in narrative sources.

Keywords: Second Bulgarian Tsardom, 20—30 years of the 14th century, Ivan Rusin, warlord, Byzantine Empire, armies, Serbian Kingdom, wars, Tatars

Information about author:

Andrii Fedoruk (Chernivtsi, Ukraine). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. Kafedralna St., 2, Chernivtsi, 58012, Ukraine
E-mail: [email protected]