Dessilava (fl. 1197–1207)

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Dessilava (fl. 1197–1207)

Tsarina of Bulgaria. Name variations: Princess Dessilava. Flourished between 1197 and 1207; married Kaloyan, tsar of Bulgaria.

Dessilava married Kaloyan, 3rd of the Asenid rulers who succeeded his elder brother Peter in 1197. Under Tsar Kaloyan's ruthless leadership, the Bulgarian empire was expanded, but in 1207 he was assassinated by one of his own followers.

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