Ivan Asen

1259 – 1303 · Generation XXXV · Emperor (r. 1279–1280)

Ivan (AD 1259 – 1303). Emperor (r. 1279–1280). Married Irene around AD 1278. Tsar of Bulgaria; son-in-law of Michael VIII. Michael VIII raised him as a counterweight to the rebel Ivaylo, granting him the title of despot and backing him with armies; when rumour of Ivaylo’s death reached besieged Tarnovo, its nobles accepted him as tsar. He could not hold the country. With Ivaylo back before the walls and two relief attempts beaten, he and his wife slipped out of Tarnovo with treasures from the palace and sailed for Constantinople — where a furious Michael left them waiting at the door for days, calling the flight cowardice. A bid for Mongol support at the court of Nogai Khan ended Ivaylo’s life but not his own exile, and he died on family lands in the Troad. His descendants, the Asan family, prospered in Byzantine service for generations.

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Partners

• Married Irene Palaiologina (1259 – ?) in 1278 — one child together

Children

• Andronikos Asen (1278 – 1322)

Life

• 1259 — Born
• 1278 — Married Irene
• 1303 — Died