Dejanovi%C4%87 noble family
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The Dejanović ( sr-Cyrl, Дејановић, Dejanovići / Дејановићи) or Dragaš ( sr-Cyrl, Драгаш, Dragaši / Драгаши), originates from a medieval noble family that served the
Serbian Empire The Serbian Empire ( sr, / , ) was a medieval Serbian state that emerged from the Kingdom of Serbia. It was established in 1346 by Dušan the Mighty, who significantly expanded the state. Under Dušan's rule, Serbia was the major power in the ...
of
Dušan the Mighty Dušan ( sr-Cyrl, Душан) is a Slavic given name primarily used in countries of Yugoslavia; and among Slovaks and Czechs. The name is derived from the Slavic noun ''duša'' "soul". Occurrence In Serbia, it was the 29th most popular nam ...
(r. 1331-1355) and
Uroš the Weak __NOTOC__ Uroš ( sr-Cyrl, Урош) is a South Slavic given or last name primarily spread amongst Serbs, and Slovenians (mostly of Serbian descent). This noun has been interpreted as "lords", because it usually appears in conjunction with ''velmõ ...
(r. 1355-1371), and during the
fall of the Serbian Empire The fall of the Serbian Empire was a decades-long process in the late 14th century. Following the death of childless Emperor Stefan Uroš V in 1371, the Empire was left without an heir and the magnates, '' velikaši'', obtained the rule of its pr ...
, after the Battle of Maritsa (1371), it became an Ottoman vassal. The family was one of the most prominent during these periods. The family held a region roughly centered where the borders of
Serbia Serbia (, ; Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), officially the Republic of Serbia (Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe, Southeastern and Central Europe, situated at the crossroads of the Pannonian Bas ...
,
Bulgaria Bulgaria (; bg, България, Bǎlgariya), officially the Republic of Bulgaria,, ) is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the eastern flank of the Balkans, and is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedon ...
and
North Macedonia North Macedonia, ; sq, Maqedonia e Veriut, (Macedonia before February 2019), officially the Republic of North Macedonia,, is a country in Southeast Europe. It gained independence in 1991 as one of the successor states of Socialist Feder ...
meet. The last two
Byzantine Emperor This is a list of the Byzantine emperors from the foundation of Constantinople in 330 AD, which marks the conventional start of the Eastern Roman Empire, to its fall to the Ottoman Empire in 1453 AD. Only the emperors who were recognized as le ...
s were maternal descendants of the house. The
progenitor In genealogy, the progenitor (rarer: primogenitor; german: Stammvater or ''Ahnherr'') is the – sometimes legendary – founder of a family, line of descent, clan or tribe, noble house, or ethnic group.. Ebenda''Ahnherr:''"Stammvater eines G ...
, ''
sevastokrator ''Sebastokrator'' ( grc-byz, Σεβαστοκράτωρ, Sevastokrátor, August Ruler, ; bg, севастократор, sevastokrator; sh, sebastokrator), was a senior court title in the late Byzantine Empire. It was also used by other rulers wh ...
''
Dejan Dejan (Cyrillic: Дејан) is a Serbian masculine given name, derived from the Slavic verb ''dejati'', meaning "to act, to do". The name and the derived surname Dejanović are common among South Slavs. The name is first recorded in 1325 (1333 ...
, was a magnate in the service of
Emperor An emperor (from la, imperator, via fro, empereor) is a monarch, and usually the sovereignty, sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress, the female equivalent, may indicate an emperor's wife (empress consort), ...
Dušan, and also the Emperor's brother-in-law through his marriage with
Teodora-Evdokija Teodora Nemanjić ( sr-cyr, Теодора Немањић; 1330 – after 1381) was the despotess of Kumanovo as the wife of Despot Dejan ( fl. 1355). She was the daughter of King Stephen Uroš III Dečanski of Serbia and her eldest half-broth ...
. Dejan held the '' župe'' (counties) of Žegligovo and
Preševo Preševo ( sr-cyrl, Прешево; sq, Preshevë, ) is a town and municipality located in the Pčinja District of southern Serbia. It is the southernmost town in Central Serbia and largest in the geographical region of Preševo Valley. Preševo ...
under Dušan, and later received the
title A title is one or more words used before or after a person's name, in certain contexts. It may signify either generation, an official position, or a professional or academic qualification. In some languages, titles may be inserted between the f ...
of '' despot'' during the rule of Dušan's son, Emperor Uroš V, when he was appointed the administration Upper Struma with Velbužd, after the death of powerful ''despot''
Jovan Oliver Jovan Oliver Grčinić ( sr, Јован Оливер Грчинић; ca. 1310-1356) was a magnate of the Serbian Emperor Dušan the Mighty (r. 1331-1355), holding the titles of ''sebastokrator'' and ''despotes'', and the rank of "great voivode", s ...
. After Dejan's death between 1358 and 1365, most of his province was given to
Vlatko Paskačić Vlatko Paskačić ( sr, Влатко Паскачић) was a 14th-century Serbian feudal lord (''sebastokrator'') of Slavište region around Kriva Palanka under the Mrnjavčevići (1366-1395), in modern Republic of Macedonia. His father was Pa ...
, besides the initial counties of Žegligovo and Preševo, which were left to his two sons, Jovan and
Konstantin The first name Konstantin () is a derivation from the Latin name ''Constantinus'' (Constantine) in some European languages, such as Russian and German. As a Christian given name, it refers to the memory of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. ...
. The brothers, who ruled jointly, managed to double the extent of their province during the Fall of the Serbian Empire following Emperor Uroš V's death, chiefly to the south; the lands now covered from
Vranje Vranje ( sr-Cyrl, Врање, ) is a city in Southern Serbia and the administrative center of the Pčinja District. The municipality of Vranje has a population of 83,524 and its urban area has 60,485 inhabitants. Vranje is the economical, polit ...
and Preševo to Radomir, in the south to
Štip Štip ( mk, Штип ) is the largest urban agglomeration in the eastern part of North Macedonia, serving as the economic, industrial, entertainment and educational focal point for the surrounding municipalities. As of the 2002 census, the city ...
,
Radoviš Radoviš ( mk, Радовиш ) is a city in the southeastern part of North Macedonia. It is the second largest city in the southeastern region. The city is the seat of Radoviš Municipality, which is spread on the bottom of Plačkovica Mountai ...
te and
Strumica Strumica ( mk, Струмица, ) is the largest city2002 census results
in English and Macedon ...
. In 1373, two years after the devastating Battle of Maritsa, the brothers became vassals to the
Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire, * ; is an archaic version. The definite article forms and were synonymous * and el, Оθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία, Othōmanikē Avtokratoria, label=none * info page on book at Martin Luther University) ...
. After the death of Jovan in 1377, Konstantin continued to rule under Ottoman overlordship. Konstantin and his provincial neighbour and fellow Ottoman vassal,
Prince Marko Marko Mrnjavčević ( sr-cyr, Марко Мрњавчевић, ;  – 17 May 1395) was the ''de jure'' Serbian king from 1371 to 1395, while he was the ''de facto'' ruler of territory in western Macedonia centered on the town of Prilep. He ...
, fell at the
Battle of Rovine The Battle of Rovine took place on 17 May 1395. The Wallachian army led by Voivod Mircea the Elder opposed the Ottoman invasion personally led by Sultan Bayezid I the Thunderbolt. The Turkish force heavily outnumbered the Wallachian troops. ...
in 1395. The Dejanović family built and reconstructed several churches and monasteries throughout their province. Some of these include the
Zemen Monastery The Zemen Monastery ( bg, Земенски манастир, ''Zemenski manastir'') is a Bulgarian Orthodox monastery located one kilometre away from the town of Zemen, Pernik Province in western Bulgaria. The monastery was established in the 11t ...
and Arhiljevica Church, built by Dejan, and the Poganovo Monastery and
Osogovo Monastery Osogovo Monastery ( mk, Осоговски Манастир) is a Macedonian Orthodox Church, Macedonian Orthodox monastery located near Kriva Palanka, North Macedonia, from the Bulgarian border on Osogovo, Osogovo Mountain. Osogovo Monastery is ...
, built by Konstantin. Konstantin had married his daughter Jelena to the Byzantine Emperor
Manuel II Palaiologos Manuel II Palaiologos or Palaeologus ( gr, Μανουὴλ Παλαιολόγος, Manouēl Palaiológos; 27 June 1350 – 21 July 1425) was Byzantine emperor from 1391 to 1425. Shortly before his death he was tonsured a monk and received the na ...
(r. 1391-1425), from which the last Byzantine Emperors John VIII (r. 1425-1448) and
Constantine XI Constantine XI Dragases Palaiologos or Dragaš Palaeologus ( el, Κωνσταντῖνος Δραγάσης Παλαιολόγος, ''Kōnstantînos Dragásēs Palaiológos''; 8 February 1405 – 29 May 1453) was the last Roman (Byzantine) e ...
(r. 1449-1453) sprung. Constantine XI, who died defending Constantinople from the Ottomans in 1453, was known by his mother's surname, in
Greek Greek may refer to: Greece Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group. *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family. **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor ...
, ''Dragases'' (Δραγάσης, tr. ''Dragáses'').


Family

There are possible portraits of the family in their monasteries (''
ktetor ''Ktetor'' ( el, κτήτωρ) or ''ktitor'' (; ka, ქტიტორი ''kt’it’ori''; ro, ctitor), meaning "founder", is a title given in the Middle Ages to the provider of funds for construction or reconstruction of an Eastern Orthodox ch ...
'' frescoes), but it is not affirmed that these represent Dejan's family.


History

The family's progenitor was Dejan, a Serbian '' vojvoda'' (military commander and lord) in the Kumanovo region, who married
Teodora Teodora ( sr, Теодора) is a feminine given name, a variation of the name Theodora. Notable people with the name include: *Teodora Sava (born 2001), Romanian singer *Teodora Albon (born 1977), Romanian football referee *Teodora Ginés, (153 ...
, the sister of Stefan Dušan. Dejan became ''sevastokrator'' in 1346. His origin is unknown. Earlier scholars believed that the Dejanović were relatives of
Jovan Oliver Jovan Oliver Grčinić ( sr, Јован Оливер Грчинић; ca. 1310-1356) was a magnate of the Serbian Emperor Dušan the Mighty (r. 1331-1355), holding the titles of ''sebastokrator'' and ''despotes'', and the rank of "great voivode", s ...
, although this is no longer accepted (Fine 1994).
K. Jirechek K is the eleventh letter of the Latin alphabet. K may also refer to: General uses * K (programming language), an array processing language developed by Arthur Whitney and commercialized by Kx Systems * K (cider), a British draft cider manufac ...
suggested that he was ''vojvoda''
Dejan Manjak Dejan Manjak ( sr-cyr, Дејан Мањак, 1333) was a nobleman in the service of Serbian King Stefan Dušan, only mentioned in a charter dated January 22, 1333, in which Stefan Dušan officially sold Ston and Prevlaka to the Republic of Venice ...
. On April 16, 1346 (
Easter Easter,Traditional names for the feast in English are "Easter Day", as in the '' Book of Common Prayer''; "Easter Sunday", used by James Ussher''The Whole Works of the Most Rev. James Ussher, Volume 4'') and Samuel Pepys''The Diary of Samuel ...
),
Stefan Dušan Stefan Uroš IV Dušan ( sr-Cyrl, Стефан Урош IV Душан, ), known as Dušan the Mighty ( sr, / ; circa 1308 – 20 December 1355), was the King of Serbia from 8 September 1331 and Tsar (or Emperor) and autocrat of the Serbs, Gr ...
convoked a huge assembly at
Skopje Skopje ( , , ; mk, Скопје ; sq, Shkup) is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. It is the country's political, cultural, economic, and academic centre. The territory of Skopje has been inhabited since at least 4000 BC; r ...
, where the autocephalous Serbian Archbishopric was raised to the status of a Patriarchate. The new Patriarch Joanikije II now solemnly crowned Dušan as " Emperor (basileus) and
autocrat Autocracy is a system of government in which absolute power over a state is concentrated in the hands of one person, whose decisions are subject neither to external legal restraints nor to regularized mechanisms of popular control (except perh ...
of
Serbs The Serbs ( sr-Cyr, Срби, Srbi, ) are the most numerous South Slavic ethnic group native to the Balkans in Southeastern Europe, who share a common Serbian ancestry, culture, history and language. The majority of Serbs live in their na ...
and
Romans Roman or Romans most often refers to: *Rome, the capital city of Italy * Ancient Rome, Roman civilization from 8th century BC to 5th century AD *Roman people, the people of ancient Rome *''Epistle to the Romans'', shortened to ''Romans'', a lette ...
(Greeks)". Dušan had his son Uroš V crowned ''King of Serbs and Greeks'', giving him nominal rule over the ''Serbian lands'', and although Dušan was governing the whole state, he had special responsibility for the "Roman", i.e. ''Greek lands''. A further increase in the Byzantinization of the Serbian court followed, particularly in court ceremonial and
titles A title is one or more words used before or after a person's name, in certain contexts. It may signify either generation, an official position, or a professional or academic qualification. In some languages, titles may be inserted between the f ...
. In the years that followed, the
Serbian nobility Serbian nobility ( sr, српска властела / srpska vlastela, српско властелинство / srpsko vlastelinstvo or српско племство / srpsko plemstvo) refers to the historical privileged order or class (aristocrac ...
were elevated: Dušan's half-brother
Simeon Uroš Simeon Uroš ( sr-cyr, Симеон Урош, gr, Συμεών Ούρεσης; 1326–1370), nicknamed Siniša (Синиша), was a self-proclaimed Emperor of Serbs and Greeks, from 1356 to 1370. He was son of Serbian King Stephen Uroš III a ...
, brother-in-law
Jovan Asen John Komnenos Asen ( bg, Йоан Комнин Асен, Yoan Komnin Asen; gr, Ίωάννης Κομνηνός Ἀσάνης, Iōannēs Komnēnos Asanēs; sr, Јован Комнин Асен, Jovan Komnin Asen) was the ruler of the Principali ...
and
Jovan Oliver Jovan Oliver Grčinić ( sr, Јован Оливер Грчинић; ca. 1310-1356) was a magnate of the Serbian Emperor Dušan the Mighty (r. 1331-1355), holding the titles of ''sebastokrator'' and ''despotes'', and the rank of "great voivode", s ...
were granted the title of '' despot''. His brother-in-law Dejan and
Branko Branko (Cyrillic script: Бранко; ) is a South Slavic male given name found in all of the former Yugoslavia. It is related to the names Branimir and Branislav, and the female equivalent is Branka. People named Branko include: * Branko Babić ...
were granted the title of ''
sevastokrator ''Sebastokrator'' ( grc-byz, Σεβαστοκράτωρ, Sevastokrátor, August Ruler, ; bg, севастократор, sevastokrator; sh, sebastokrator), was a senior court title in the late Byzantine Empire. It was also used by other rulers wh ...
''. The military commanders (''voivodes'')
Preljub Preljub ( sr-Cyrl, Прељуб; c. 1312–1356) was a Serbian magnate who served Emperor Stefan Dušan (r. 1331–55) as '' vojvoda'' (general). He participated in the southern conquests and held Thessaly with the rank of ''caesar'' (''kesar'') i ...
,
Vojihna Vojihna or Vojin of Drama ( sr-cyr, Војихна ; ca 1298–1360), was a Serbian nobleman that rose through the ranks and became one of the most acclaimed military commanders (''voivode'') and dukes of Stephen Uroš IV Dušan of Serbia during ...
and
Grgur Grgur ( sr-cyr, Гргур) is a Serbo-Croatian masculine given name, a variant of Greek ''Grēgorios'' (, la, Gregorius, English: Gregory) meaning "watchful, alert". It has been used in Serbian society since the Middle Ages. It may refer to: * G ...
received the title of '' ćesar''. The raising of the Serbian Patriarchate resulted in the same spirit - bishops became metropolitans. He is mentioned in 1354. According to Stefan Dušan's charter to the monastery of
Arhiljevica Arhiljevica ( sr-cyr, Архиљевица) is the name of a lost medieval village and monastery (dedicated to the "Holy Mother of God") which existed during the Serbian Empire and its aftermath. It was in the possession of the Dejanović noble f ...
(August 1355), ''sevastokrator'' Dejan, whom he called his
brother A brother is a man or boy who shares one or more parents with another; a male sibling. The female counterpart is a sister. Although the term typically refers to a familial relationship, it is sometimes used endearingly to refer to non-familia ...
("брат царства ми севастократор Дејан"): possessed a large province east of
Skopska Crna Gora tr, Karadağ, italics=no , photo = Skopska Crna Gora-MKD.JPG , photo_caption = , photo_size = 250 , highest = Ramno , elevation_m = 1651 , elevation_ref = , prominence_m = , prominence_ref = , listing = , location = North Macedonia ...
. It included the old '' župe'' (counties) of Žegligovo and
Preševo Preševo ( sr-cyrl, Прешево; sq, Preshevë, ) is a town and municipality located in the Pčinja District of southern Serbia. It is the southernmost town in Central Serbia and largest in the geographical region of Preševo Valley. Preševo ...
(modern Kumanovo region with Sredorek, Kozjačija and the larger part of Pčinja).: Based on the charter, Arhiljevica was situated where the granted villages (''
metochion A ''metochion'' or ''metochi'' ( gr, μετόχιον, metóchion or gr, μετόχι, metóchi; russian: подворье, podvorie) is an ecclesiastical embassy church within Eastern Orthodox tradition. It is usually from one autocephalous or ...
'') of Podlešane, Izvor and Rućinci ( Kumanovska Crna Gora) lay, in the slopes of Jezer. The fact that Dejan built Arhiljevica rather than renovate it is evidence of his economical strength. Dušan also granted a church, ''metochion'', and two villages in the region on his own behalf. Dejan was one of the prominent figures of Dušan's reign and during the fall of the Serbian Empire after Dušan's death. Under Emperor Dušan, ''despot'' Jovan Oliver, with his brother Bogdan and ''sevastokrator'' Dejan, ruled over all of eastern Macedonia. He is not mentioned much in Dušan's military endeavors, although the reputation of him and his successors suggest that he was involved in most of Dušan's successes. His prominence beyond Serbia is evident from the fact that
Pope Innocent VI Pope Innocent VI ( la, Innocentius VI; 1282 or 1295 – 12 September 1362), born Étienne Aubert, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 18 December 1352 to his death in September 1362. He was the fifth Avignon pope a ...
addressed Dejan in 1355, asking him to support the creation of the union between the Catholic Church and the Serbian Orthodox Church (such letters were sent to the highest nobility and the church). Dejan received the title of ''despot'' sometime after August 1355, either from Emperor Dušan, who died on 20 December 1355, or his heir Uroš V, most likely under the latter. As ''despot'' under the rule of Uroš V, Dejan was entrusted with the administration of the territory between
South Morava The South Morava ( Macedonian and Serbian: Јужна Морава, ''Južna Morava'', ; sq, Lumi Morava) is a river in eastern Kosovo and in southern Serbia, which represents the shorter headwater of Great Morava. Today, it is 295 km lon ...
, Pčinja, Skopska Crna Gora (hereditary lands) and in the east, the Upper Struma river with Velbuzhd, a province notably larger than during Dušan's life.: As the only ''despot'', Dejan held the highest title in the Empire (this had earlier been Jovan Oliver). Dejan's daughter
Teodora Teodora ( sr, Теодора) is a feminine given name, a variation of the name Theodora. Notable people with the name include: *Teodora Sava (born 2001), Romanian singer *Teodora Albon (born 1977), Romanian football referee *Teodora Ginés, (153 ...
was married to Žarko, the Lord of Lower Zeta (''"gospodar donje Zete"''), in 1356. Together they had a son, Mrkša (born 1363). Until the death of ''knez''
Vojislav Vojinović Vojislav Vojinović ( sr, Војислав Војиновић, d. 1363) was a 14th-century Medieval Serbia, Serbian nobleman, and one of the leading members of Serbian noble House of Vojinović. He held prominent offices during the reigns of Serb ...
in December 1363, the Serbian nobility in the Greek lands showed itself more ambitious, as it held more titles (''despots'' Dejan and Vukašin, ''sevastokrator'' Vlatko, ''kesar'' Vojihna, etc.) and greater independence (deriving from their more extensive possessions, and therefore, wealth) in relation to the nobility of the old Serbian lands. While Vojislav lived, his influence secured the pre-eminence of the old Serbian nobility, but after his death Vukašin quickly gained a decisive influence on the Emperor. The nobility in the old Serbian lands was not at first alarmed at this, but Vukašin's ambition and his subsequent moves woke up the simmering antagonism between the two groups. It was not only Vukašin's endless ambition that paved the way to the top, as he had plenty of support from other nobles who benefited from him. Jovan Oliver and Dejan died sometime before 1365, that is when Vukašin was elevated to King as co-ruler to Emperor Uroš V. Mandić believes that Dejan died in 1358, and that Vukašin (who until then was ''veliki vojvoda'') took his place as despot, and that Jovan Uglješa became ''veliki vojvoda''. It is unlikely that Dejan took monastic vows before his death, as his children were still young. His wife Teodora took monastic vows as Evdokija and lived in Strumica and Kyustendil, and she would until her death sign as "Empress", being entitled so as a female member of the dynasty. After the death of Dejan, his province, besides the ''župe'' of Žegligovo and Upper Struma, was appropriated to nobleman
Vlatko Paskačić Vlatko Paskačić ( sr, Влатко Паскачић) was a 14th-century Serbian feudal lord (''sebastokrator'') of Slavište region around Kriva Palanka under the Mrnjavčevići (1366-1395), in modern Republic of Macedonia. His father was Pa ...
.
Vukašin Mrnjavčević Vukašin (Cyrillic script: Вукашин) is an old Slavic name of Serbian origin. It is composed from two words: Vuk (wolf) and sin (son), so it means sin vuka (son of wolf). In some places in Croatia and Bosnia it can be found as a surname. ...
, of whom there are no notable mentions until 1365, became more powerful (ultimately the most powerful in Macedonia) after the deaths of Vojislav, Dejan and ''despot'' Jovan Oliver (whose status in Macedonia was very high), as Vukašin's rise would have been unlikely during the lifetime of these. Vukašin's younger brother
Jovan Uglješa Jovan may refer to: *Jovan (given name), a list of people with this given name *Jovan, Mawal, a village on the western coastal region of Maharashtra, India *Jōvan Musk, a cologne *Deli Jovan, a mountain in eastern Serbia *Róbert Jován (born 1967 ...
is thought to have participated in the dismemberment of Dejan's province, as he used this chance to take the provinces which bordered on the ''oblast'' (province) of
Ser Ser or SER may refer to: Places * Ser, a village in Bogdand Commune, Satu Mare County, Romania * Serpens (Ser), an astronomical constellation of the northern hemisphere * Serres, known as Ser in Serbian, a city in Macedonia, Greece Organization ...
(
Serres Sérres ( el, Σέρρες ) is a city in Macedonia, Greece, capital of the Serres regional unit and second largest city in the region of Central Macedonia, after Thessaloniki. Serres is one of the administrative and economic centers of Northe ...
), which he ''de facto'' held (Empress Jelena ''de jure''). No one looked to the young sons of Dejan who would later become very important. Dejan's death brought benefit to Vukašin and Uglješa, not so much in territorial expansion (which is not so sure), but because Dejan's disappearance ended any stronger candidate to counter the
Mrnjavčević family The House of Mrnjavčević ( sr-Cyrl, Мрњавчевић, Mrnjavčevići / Мрњавчевићи, ) was a medieval Serbian noble house during the Serbian Empire, its fall, and the subsequent years when it held a region of present-day Macedo ...
. Jovan received the title of ''despot'', like his father before, by Emperor Uroš.: Most of Jovan Oliver's lands were later given to the brothers. It is not known why Jovan Oliver's sons did not inherit his lands; Serbian historian V. Ćorović considered turmoil and disorder the case, however not knowing the extent it developed to and what the consequences were. Earlier scholars believed that the Dejanović were relatives of
Jovan Oliver Jovan Oliver Grčinić ( sr, Јован Оливер Грчинић; ca. 1310-1356) was a magnate of the Serbian Emperor Dušan the Mighty (r. 1331-1355), holding the titles of ''sebastokrator'' and ''despotes'', and the rank of "great voivode", s ...
, although this is no longer accepted (Fine 1994). The Dejanović brothers ruled a spacious province in eastern Macedonia, in the southern lands of the Empire, and remained loyal to Uroš V. After the Ottoman victory at Maritsa (1371), the Ottomans did not immediately start with real conquests in the Balkans, but, reinforcing their positions, stopped to spread their influence and create grounds for further progress. They did not want to cause a persistent struggle from a Christian alliance until they were fully sure, so in the beginning they were satisfied with the Balkan magnate families recognizing their sovereignty and paying them tribute, in order to increase Ottoman financial resources. In that way they did not take Vukašin's province, but agreed to let his son and heir Marko rule in the Macedonia region, with the seat at Prilep (the foremost fortification of
Pelagonia Pelagonia ( mk, Пелагонија, Pelagonija; el, Πελαγονíα, Pelagonía) is a geographical region of Macedonia named after the ancient kingdom. Ancient Pelagonia roughly corresponded to the present-day municipalities of Bitola, Pri ...
). In the north of Vukašin's province, Marko's younger brother Andrijaš held properties. Vukašin's successors fought with their western and northern Serbian neighbours, who after the death of Vukašin rushed to take over his possessions. Emperor Uroš V died childless in December 2/4 1371, after much of the Serbian nobility had been destroyed in Maritsa earlier that year. This marked an end to the once powerful Empire. Vukašin's son Marko, who had earlier been crowned ''Young King'' was to inherit his father's royal title, and thus became one in the line of successors to the Serbian throne. Meanwhile, the nobles pursued their own interests, sometimes quarreling with each other. Serbia, without an Emperor "became a conglomerate of aristocratic territories",Ross-Allen 1978
p. 505
and the Empire was thus divided between the provincial lords: Marko, the Dejanović brothers, Djuradj Balšić,
Vuk Branković Vuk Branković ( sr-cyr, Вук Бранковић, , 1345 – 6 October 1397) was a Serbian medieval nobleman who, during the Fall of the Serbian Empire, inherited a province that extended over present-day southern and southwestern Serbia, enti ...
, Nikola Altomanović, Lazar Hrebeljanović. The Balšić family took
Prizren ) , settlement_type = Municipality and city , image_skyline = Prizren Collage.jpg , imagesize = 290px , image_caption = View of Prizren , image_alt = View of Prizren , image_flag ...
, and
Vuk Branković Vuk Branković ( sr-cyr, Вук Бранковић, , 1345 – 6 October 1397) was a Serbian medieval nobleman who, during the Fall of the Serbian Empire, inherited a province that extended over present-day southern and southwestern Serbia, enti ...
took
Skoplje Skopje ( , , ; mk, Скопје ; sq, Shkup) is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. It is the country's political, cultural, economic, and academic centre. The territory of Skopje has been inhabited since at least 4000 BC; r ...
, from Marko. In the new redistribution of feudal power, after 1371, the brothers despot Jovan and gospodin Konstantin greatly expanded their province.Историјски гласник Друштва историчара СР Србије 1994, p. 31
/ref> Not only did they recreate their father's province but also at least doubled the territory, on all sides, but chiefly towards the south. The brothers ruled on the left riverside of the Vardar, from Kumanovo to Strumica. In 1373, two years after Maritsa, the first mentions are made on the events in the province of the Dejanović brothers, as well as their mutual relation.Зборник радова Византолошког института 1982, p. 198 In June 1373, on the road from
Thessaloniki Thessaloniki (; el, Θεσσαλονίκη, , also known as Thessalonica (), Saloniki, or Salonica (), is the second-largest city in Greece, with over one million inhabitants in its Thessaloniki metropolitan area, metropolitan area, and the capi ...
to
Novo Brdo Novo Brdo ( sr-Cyrl, Ново Брдо), or Novobërda and Artana ( sq-definite, Novobërdë or ''Artanë''), is a municipality located in the Pristina district of Kosovo. According to the 2011 census, it has a population of 6,729 inhabitants. Th ...
, some
Ragusan Ragusan may refer to: * citizen of the Republic of Ragusa hr, Sloboda se ne prodaje za sve zlato svijeta it, La libertà non si vende nemmeno per tutto l'oro del mondo"Liberty is not sold for all the gold in the world" , population_estimate ...
merchants had an accident in despot Jovan's land ("in terenum despotis Dragassii"). Ottoman sources report that in 1373, the Ottoman army compelled Jovan (who they called ''Saruyar'') in the upper Struma, to recognize Ottoman vassalage. As Marko had done, also the Dejanović brothers recognized Ottoman sovereignty. Although vassals, they had their own government. The Ottoman ''gazi'' at the time conquered more than the Empire could put under its immediate control. Thus it is not surprising that the brothers had built an internal administration, shared possessions, issued charters, minted coins. In 1376, Konstantin took up a high position in the government, and this shows that the elder brother Jovan relatively early started to share the rule with his younger brother.Зборник радова Византолошког института 1982, p. 199 On June 1, 1377 the brothers wrote a charter to
Hilandar The Hilandar Monastery ( sr-cyr, Манастир Хиландар, Manastir Hilandar, , el, Μονή Χιλανδαρίου) is one of the twenty Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Mount Athos in Greece and the only Serbian monastery there. It wa ...
, where they confirmed the earlier donations of ''čelnik'' Stanislav; the donations included the Church of St. Blasius in
Štip Štip ( mk, Штип ) is the largest urban agglomeration in the eastern part of North Macedonia, serving as the economic, industrial, entertainment and educational focal point for the surrounding municipalities. As of the 2002 census, the city ...
and three villages.Зборник радова Византолошког института 1982, p. 200 In 1377 and 1380 the family issued charters to the Monastery of St. Panteleimon on
Mount Athos Mount Athos (; el, Ἄθως, ) is a mountain in the distal part of the eponymous Athos peninsula and site of an important centre of Eastern Orthodox monasticism in northeastern Greece. The mountain along with the respective part of the penins ...
. Jovan most often signed documents of the two. As the Dejanović brothers were maternally descended from the Nemanjić dynasty as grandsons of King
Stefan Uroš III Stefan may refer to: * Stefan (given name) * Stefan (surname) * Ștefan, a Romanian given name and a surname * Štefan, a Slavic given name and surname * Stefan (footballer) (born 1988), Brazilian footballer * Stefan Heym, pseudonym of German writ ...
, they worked on expanding their rule and perhaps ultimately rule Serbia. The brothers spoke of "our Empire", and their mother Teodora-Evdokija signed as ''Empress''. Their state symbol was the white
double-headed eagle In heraldry and vexillology, the double-headed eagle (or double-eagle) is a charge (heraldry), charge associated with the concept of Empire. Most modern uses of the symbol are directly or indirectly associated with its use by the late Byzantin ...
and they minted coins according to the Nemanjić style. Jovan died in ca. 1378, before 1381. Konstantin continued to rule under the suzerainty of the Ottoman Empire. By 1379,
Lazar Hrebeljanović Lazar Hrebeljanović ( sr-cyr, Лазар Хребељановић; ca. 1329 – 15 June 1389) was a medieval Serbian ruler who created the largest and most powerful state on the territory of the disintegrated Serbian Empire. Lazar's state, ...
, the lord of Pomoravlje, emerged as the first and most powerful among Serbian nobles. In his signatures, he titled himself as the "
Autokrator ''Autokrator'' or ''Autocrator'' ( grc-gre, αὐτοκράτωρ, autokrátōr, , self-ruler," "one who rules by himself," whence English "autocrat, from grc, αὐτός, autós, self, label=none + grc, κράτος, krátos, dominion, power ...
of all the
Serbs The Serbs ( sr-Cyr, Срби, Srbi, ) are the most numerous South Slavic ethnic group native to the Balkans in Southeastern Europe, who share a common Serbian ancestry, culture, history and language. The majority of Serbs live in their na ...
" (самодрьжць вьсѣмь Србьлѥмь); nevertheless, he was not powerful enough to unite all Serbian lands under his authority. Konstantin, the Balšić, Mrnjavčević, Vuk Branković, and Radoslav Hlapen, ruled in their respective domains without consulting with Lazar. Konstantin let the Ottoman army cross his province into Kosovo and also gave supporting armed bands, before the
Battle of Kosovo The Battle of Kosovo ( tr, Kosova Savaşı; sr, Косовска битка) took place on 15 June 1389 between an army led by the Serbian Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović and an invading army of the Ottoman Empire under the command of Sultan ...
(1389). Konstantin married, but his spouse's name is unknown.Зборник радова Византолошког института 1982, p. 201 Konstantin had a daughter,
Jelena Jelena, also written Yelena and Elena, is a Slavic given name. It is a Slavicized form of the Greek name Helen, which is of uncertain origin. Diminutives of the name include Jelica, Jelka, Jele, Jela, Lena, Lenotschka, Jeca, Lenka, and Alena. Not ...
, who in 1392 married Byzantine Emperor Manuel II. Although Manuel II and Konstantin maintained relations, they were of no political importance. Konstantin was an Ottoman vassal, within nearest reach and always on the look from Edirne and the Sultan, and was unable to change it. Bayezid, having conquered south Bulgaria, saw an opportunity for the conquest of
Wallachia Wallachia or Walachia (; ro, Țara Românească, lit=The Romanian Land' or 'The Romanian Country, ; archaic: ', Romanian Cyrillic alphabet: ) is a historical and geographical region of Romania. It is situated north of the Lower Danube and so ...
when dissatisfied Wallachian noblemen called for Ottoman support against
Mircea I of Wallachia Mircea the Elder ( ro, Mircea cel Bătrân, ; c. 1355 – 31 January 1418) was the Voivode of Wallachia from 1386 until his death in 1418. He was the son of Radu I of Wallachia and brother of Dan I of Wallachia, after whose death he inherited th ...
, which he accepted. Sigismund supported Mircea and helped him back to the throne, while Bayezid led a great army into Wallachia, composed also out of vassals
Stefan Lazarević Stefan Lazarević ( sr-Cyrl, Стефан Лазаревић, 1377 – 19 July 1427), also known as Stefan the Tall ( sr, Стефан Високи / ''Stefan Visoki''), was the ruler of Serbia as prince (1389–1402) and despot (1402–1427), ...
, Konstantin Dejanović and Marko. A contemporary source, Constantine the Philosopher, wrote that Marko unwillingly joined this fight against fellow Christians, and how he said to Konstantin: ''"I speak and pray to the Lord that he helps the Christians, even if I would be among the first to die in the battle."''. In the Wallachian victory at the
Battle of Rovine The Battle of Rovine took place on 17 May 1395. The Wallachian army led by Voivod Mircea the Elder opposed the Ottoman invasion personally led by Sultan Bayezid I the Thunderbolt. The Turkish force heavily outnumbered the Wallachian troops. ...
(17 May 1395), both Marko and Konstantin died. The provinces of Marko and Konstantin became Ottoman.


Domain of the Dejanović family


Dejan's possessions, Serbian Empire

According to Emperor Dušan's Arhiljevica charter (August 1355), ''sevastokrator'' Dejan possessed the ''župe'' (counties) of Žegligovo and
Preševo Preševo ( sr-cyrl, Прешево; sq, Preshevë, ) is a town and municipality located in the Pčinja District of southern Serbia. It is the southernmost town in Central Serbia and largest in the geographical region of Preševo Valley. Preševo ...
(modern Kumanovo region with Sredorek, Kozjačija and the larger part of Pčinja). As ''despot'' under the rule of Uroš V, Dejan was entrusted with the administration of the territory between
South Morava The South Morava ( Macedonian and Serbian: Јужна Морава, ''Južna Morava'', ; sq, Lumi Morava) is a river in eastern Kosovo and in southern Serbia, which represents the shorter headwater of Great Morava. Today, it is 295 km lon ...
, Pčinja, Skopska Crna Gora (hereditary lands) and in the east, the Upper Struma river with Velbužd (Kyustendil), a province notably larger than during Dušan's life.


Jovan's and Konstantin's possessions, Ottoman Empire

Dejan's son Jovan became a vassal of the
Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire, * ; is an archaic version. The definite article forms and were synonymous * and el, Оθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία, Othōmanikē Avtokratoria, label=none * info page on book at Martin Luther University) ...
after the Battle of Maritsa (1371), and
Konstantin The first name Konstantin () is a derivation from the Latin name ''Constantinus'' (Constantine) in some European languages, such as Russian and German. As a Christian given name, it refers to the memory of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. ...
also acknowledged Ottoman suzerainty. Their province (''oblast'') during the
fall of the Serbian Empire The fall of the Serbian Empire was a decades-long process in the late 14th century. Following the death of childless Emperor Stefan Uroš V in 1371, the Empire was left without an heir and the magnates, '' velikaši'', obtained the rule of its pr ...
was roughly located between the rivers Struma and
Vardar The Vardar (; mk, , , ) or Axios () is the longest river in North Macedonia and the second longest river in Greece, in which it reaches the Aegean Sea at Thessaloniki. It is long, out of which are in Greece, and drains an area of around . Th ...
and included territories of the modern countries of
Bulgaria Bulgaria (; bg, България, Bǎlgariya), officially the Republic of Bulgaria,, ) is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the eastern flank of the Balkans, and is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedon ...
,
Serbia Serbia (, ; Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), officially the Republic of Serbia (Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe, Southeastern and Central Europe, situated at the crossroads of the Pannonian Bas ...
and
North Macedonia North Macedonia, ; sq, Maqedonia e Veriut, (Macedonia before February 2019), officially the Republic of North Macedonia,, is a country in Southeast Europe. It gained independence in 1991 as one of the successor states of Socialist Feder ...
. According to
Stojan Novaković Stojan Novaković ( sr-Cyrl, Стојан Новаковић; 1 November 1842 – 18 February 1915) was a Serbian politician, historian, diplomat, writer, bibliographer, literary critic, literary historian, and translator. He held the post ...
, the province "spanned from Prince Lazar's border (between
Kumanovo Kumanovo ( mk, Куманово ; also known by other #Etymology, alternative names) is a city in North Macedonia and the seat of Kumanovo Municipality, the List of municipalities in the Republic of Macedonia by population, largest municipali ...
and
Preševo Preševo ( sr-cyrl, Прешево; sq, Preshevë, ) is a town and municipality located in the Pčinja District of southern Serbia. It is the southernmost town in Central Serbia and largest in the geographical region of Preševo Valley. Preševo ...
and the
Skopska Crna Gora tr, Karadağ, italics=no , photo = Skopska Crna Gora-MKD.JPG , photo_caption = , photo_size = 250 , highest = Ramno , elevation_m = 1651 , elevation_ref = , prominence_m = , prominence_ref = , listing = , location = North Macedonia ...
ridge) and then much further towards the south, as it looks, to the wreath that in the south marks the border of the waterfall of the
Dojran Dojran ( mk, Дојран ) was a city on the west shore of Lake Dojran in the southeast part of North Macedonia. Today, it is a collective name for two villages on the territory of the ruined city: Nov Dojran (New Dojran, settled from the end o ...
and Bulgarian lake". There were some four disputes regarding boundaries in the Strumica region within Konstantin's province, dated year 6884 (September 1, 1375 - August 31, 1376): of the ''
metochion A ''metochion'' or ''metochi'' ( gr, μετόχιον, metóchion or gr, μετόχι, metóchi; russian: подворье, podvorie) is an ecclesiastical embassy church within Eastern Orthodox tradition. It is usually from one autocephalous or ...
'' (church-dependent territory) between
Hilandar The Hilandar Monastery ( sr-cyr, Манастир Хиландар, Manastir Hilandar, , el, Μονή Χιλανδαρίου) is one of the twenty Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Mount Athos in Greece and the only Serbian monastery there. It wa ...
and Agiou Panteleimonos monastery; Hilandar and nobleman Vojin Radišić; Hilandar and Bogoslav, the lord of Nežičino village; the boundary confirmation of Prosenikov village.


Economy

The brothers minted coins according to the Nemanjić style, and used the white
double-headed eagle In heraldry and vexillology, the double-headed eagle (or double-eagle) is a charge (heraldry), charge associated with the concept of Empire. Most modern uses of the symbol are directly or indirectly associated with its use by the late Byzantin ...
( Serbian eagle). The province of the brothers had business with foreign merchants, and besides the domestic currency there was also Venetian ''moneta'' in circulation. The important Via de Zenta trade route connecting the
Adriatic The Adriatic Sea () is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkans, Balkan Peninsula. The Adriatic is the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea, extending from the Strait of Otranto (where it connects to the Ionian Sea) ...
with Serbia crossed this region; it was used for the trade between
Republic of Venice The Republic of Venice ( vec, Repùblega de Venèsia) or Venetian Republic ( vec, Repùblega Vèneta, links=no), traditionally known as La Serenissima ( en, Most Serene Republic of Venice, italics=yes; vec, Serenìsima Repùblega de Venèsia, ...
and
Ragusa Ragusa is the historical name of Dubrovnik. It may also refer to: Places Croatia * the Republic of Ragusa (or Republic of Dubrovnik), the maritime city-state of Ragusa * Cavtat (historically ' in Italian), a town in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Cro ...
and Serbia and Bulgaria. It started in the Zetan ports and towns, continued along the
Drin Valley The Drin Valley ( sq, Lugina e Drinit) is a valley in northern and eastern Albania along the Drin River The Drin (; sq, Drin or ; mk, Дрим, Drim ) is a river in Southern and Southeastern Europe with two distributaries one discharging ...
to
Prizren ) , settlement_type = Municipality and city , image_skyline = Prizren Collage.jpg , imagesize = 290px , image_caption = View of Prizren , image_alt = View of Prizren , image_flag ...
, then to
Lipljan Lipjan ( sq-definite, Lipjani) or Lipljan ( sr-Cyrl, Липљан) is a town and municipality located in the Pristina District of Kosovo. According to the 2011 census, the town of Lipjan has 6,870 inhabitants, while the municipality has 57,605 i ...
, then through
Novo Brdo Novo Brdo ( sr-Cyrl, Ново Брдо), or Novobërda and Artana ( sq-definite, Novobërdë or ''Artanë''), is a municipality located in the Pristina district of Kosovo. According to the 2011 census, it has a population of 6,729 inhabitants. Th ...
to
Vranje Vranje ( sr-Cyrl, Врање, ) is a city in Southern Serbia and the administrative center of the Pčinja District. The municipality of Vranje has a population of 83,524 and its urban area has 60,485 inhabitants. Vranje is the economical, polit ...
and
Niš Niš (; sr-Cyrl, Ниш, ; names in other languages) is the third largest city in Serbia and the administrative center of the Nišava District. It is located in southern part of Serbia. , the city proper has a population of 183,164, while ...
. The road ended its use with the Ottoman conquest of Serbia. They had vast mines in Kratovo (until 1390) and
Zletovo Zletovo ( mk, Злетово) is a village in the municipality of Probištip, North Macedonia. It used to be a municipality of its own and its FIPS code was MK48. History One of the neighborhoods of the village bears the name ''Arvanik'', which s ...
.


Aftermath and legacy

Konstantin married, but his spouse's name is unknown, and from this marriage Konstantin had a daughter,
Jelena Jelena, also written Yelena and Elena, is a Slavic given name. It is a Slavicized form of the Greek name Helen, which is of uncertain origin. Diminutives of the name include Jelica, Jelka, Jele, Jela, Lena, Lenotschka, Jeca, Lenka, and Alena. Not ...
, who in 1392 married Byzantine Emperor
Manuel II Palaiologos Manuel II Palaiologos or Palaeologus ( gr, Μανουὴλ Παλαιολόγος, Manouēl Palaiológos; 27 June 1350 – 21 July 1425) was Byzantine emperor from 1391 to 1425. Shortly before his death he was tonsured a monk and received the na ...
(r. 1391-1425). Manuel II and Jelena had several children, among whom were the last Byzantine Emperors John VIII (r. 1425-1448) and
Constantine XI Constantine XI Dragases Palaiologos or Dragaš Palaeologus ( el, Κωνσταντῖνος Δραγάσης Παλαιολόγος, ''Kōnstantînos Dragásēs Palaiológos''; 8 February 1405 – 29 May 1453) was the last Roman (Byzantine) e ...
(r. 1449-1453). Constantine XI, the last Byzantine Emperor, who died defending Constantinople from the Ottomans in 1453, was known by his mother's surname, in
Greek Greek may refer to: Greece Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group. *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family. **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor ...
, ''Dragáses'' (Δραγάσης). Constantine XI was named after his grandfather. Konstantin Dragaš is attested in
Serb epic poetry Serbian epic poetry ( sr, Српске епске народне песме, Srpske epske narodne pesme) is a form of epic poetry created by Serbs originating in today's Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. The ...
as "beg Kostadin", as a friend of Prince Marko.
Kyustendil Kyustendil ( bg, Кюстендил ) is a town in the far west of Bulgaria, the capital of the Kyustendil Province, a former bishopric and present Latin Catholic titular see. The town is situated in the southern part of the Kyustendil Valley, ...
, even in its turkified name, still keeps the memory of its lord, Konstantin. Turkish ''custendil'' means "Konstantin's bath/spa". The Kumanovo region (old Žegligovo) received its geographical location and certain settlement picture in the 14th century, during the rule of the Nemanjić and Dejanović.


Buildings


Fortifications

*


Church buildings

The Dejanović family built and reconstructed several churches and monasteries throughout their province. Some of these include the
Zemen Monastery The Zemen Monastery ( bg, Земенски манастир, ''Zemenski manastir'') is a Bulgarian Orthodox monastery located one kilometre away from the town of Zemen, Pernik Province in western Bulgaria. The monastery was established in the 11t ...
and Arhiljevica Church, built by Dejan, and the Poganovo Monastery and
Osogovo Monastery Osogovo Monastery ( mk, Осоговски Манастир) is a Macedonian Orthodox Church, Macedonian Orthodox monastery located near Kriva Palanka, North Macedonia, from the Bulgarian border on Osogovo, Osogovo Mountain. Osogovo Monastery is ...
, built by Konstantin. View the collapsible list below for a complete overview of church buildings that were located in the family's province.


Annotations

) and Dragaš (Драгаш); Dejanovići, Dragaši in
plural The plural (sometimes abbreviated pl., pl, or ), in many languages, is one of the values of the grammatical category of number. The plural of a noun typically denotes a quantity greater than the default quantity represented by that noun. This de ...
(Дејановићи, Драгаши). Their family name in
historiography Historiography is the study of the methods of historians in developing history as an academic discipline, and by extension is any body of historical work on a particular subject. The historiography of a specific topic covers how historians ha ...
, ''Dejanović'', is derived from the
progenitor In genealogy, the progenitor (rarer: primogenitor; german: Stammvater or ''Ahnherr'') is the – sometimes legendary – founder of a family, line of descent, clan or tribe, noble house, or ethnic group.. Ebenda''Ahnherr:''"Stammvater eines G ...
Dejan Dejan (Cyrillic: Дејан) is a Serbian masculine given name, derived from the Slavic verb ''dejati'', meaning "to act, to do". The name and the derived surname Dejanović are common among South Slavs. The name is first recorded in 1325 (1333 ...
. Jovan, the son of Dejan, usually signed himself ''"despot Jovan Dragaš"'', or simply ''"despot Dragaš"'', while only one document mention
Konstantin The first name Konstantin () is a derivation from the Latin name ''Constantinus'' (Constantine) in some European languages, such as Russian and German. As a Christian given name, it refers to the memory of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. ...
by this name. The ''Dragaš'' name was thus used by Jovan and Konstantin, and Jelena's son
Constantine XI Constantine XI Dragases Palaiologos or Dragaš Palaeologus ( el, Κωνσταντῖνος Δραγάσης Παλαιολόγος, ''Kōnstantînos Dragásēs Palaiológos''; 8 February 1405 – 29 May 1453) was the last Roman (Byzantine) e ...
. There is possibility that Dejan also used this name. / Oblast Dejanovića) or province of the Dragaš family (Област Драгаша / Oblast Dragaša). In Bulgarian sources it has also been rarely referred to as Duchy of Velbazhd ( bg, Велбъждско княжество), Duchy of Kyustendil (Кюстендилско княжество) and Duchy of the Dragaš (Княжество на ДрагашиКняжеството на Драгаши: Към историята на Североизточна Македония в предосманската епоха
/ref>).


References


Sources

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Further reading

*Милош Благојевић, Закон господина Константина и царице Јевдокије, Зборник радова византолошког института XLIV, Београд 2007. (Unused in article) *Иван M. Ђорђевић, Зидно сликарство српске властеле у доба Немањића, Београд 1994. (Unused in article) *M. Rajicic, Sevastokrator Dejan, in «Jugoslovenski Glasnik», 3-4 (1953) 17–28. (Unused in article) * М. Шуица, ''Немирно доба српског Средњег века, Властела српских обласних господара'', Београд 2000. (Unused in article) * Велбълждско княжество в ''Енциклопедия България'', Българската академия на науките, София, 1978, том 1 (Unused in article) * Велбъждско княжество и Константин Драгаш в ''Енциклопедичен речник Кюстендил'', Българската академия на науките, София, 1988 (Unused in article)
Istoriski časopis, Vol. 4
(Unused in article) * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Dejanovic, noble family 14th-century Serbian nobility Serbian noble families People of the Serbian Empire Pčinja District History of Kyustendil Vassal states of the Ottoman Empire