Dr. Tervel Popov
Sofia University
https://doi.org/10.53656/his2021-5-1-bran
Absract. In 1273 or about 1280 the brothers Darman and Kudelin, nobles of Bulgarian-Kuman origin, take over the Branichevo region from the Hungarian Kingdom. Their small principality very soon became stronger. Darman and Kudelin paid little attention to their neighbours due to their strong army, numerous mercenaries and strong fortresses. On several occasions the brothers defeated and fought off Hungarians and also beat the Hungarian vassal Stephan Dragutin. When however their enemies united their forces the two Branichevo nobles could not stand their enemy offensive and sought refuge in the North of the Danube. The fall of the Branichevo principality represented a loss not only for Darman and Kudelin but also for Bulgaria due to the fact that for centuries Bulgarian Tsardom had ruled over the Branichevo region.
Keywords: Darman; Kudelin; Branichevo region; Hungarian Kingdom; Stephan Dragutin