Women and power in the history of the Asan dynasty
Women and power in the history of the Asan dynasty

Summary/Abstract: The article focusing on Asăneşti Dynasty history through the prism of women's role in ascending to the throne. Presenting particular and general features in the history Bulgaria's medieval monarchs, I wanted to draw attention on an issue of great importance in European history. “Female factor” played a decisive role in preserving dynastic right to the throne. On the one hand, Bulgaria was no exception; women could also inherit the throne. On the other hand, appear new forms which are less specific for other countries. The research has shown that even if women had no right to the throne or the right to power, they were the “rescue link” of the reigning dynasty, and were “the rescue weapon” for men conquering the throne. Kinship with a representative of the ruling dynasty was the main argument of the political realities and requirements of that time. Exception was only marrying a widow. It has become one of the main methods and widely practiced in Bulgaria. For example, such cases are missing in medieval Moldova, moreover such things were not allowed. Widow status and situation changes radically, as she is being chased or even assassinated. There is no possibility to ascent to the throne through marriage with a widow. In some cases the mothers ensured the power to their children, but female regency was widely practiced and known, without exception, in all European countries.

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