Tsar Kalojan (1197–1207) as the “new Krum”: Bulgaria from the perspective of the Byzantines of Nicaea
Tsar Kalojan (1197–1207) as the “new Krum”: Bulgaria from the perspective of the Byzantines of Nicaea

Summary/Abstract: Byzantine historians creating portrayals of Bulgarian rulers of the Asenid dynasty often described them as opponents of their state. By using the term “Skylojoannes” against tsar Kalojan, Georgios Akropolites reached for an argument of radical dehumanisation, so far not used by his other compatriots against the Christian rulers of Bulgaria. Although Kalojan did not harm the author of the “Chronikē syngraphē” or his family, he also successfully fought the crusaders who captured Constantinople in 1204. However, Akropolites serving the rulers of the Byzantine political centre “in exile” in Nicea subjected the Bulgarian tsar to harsh criticism for threatening the interests of his principals in the Balkans.

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