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Georgiy BrankovicRuler of the Serbian Despotate from 1427
Country:
 Serbia |
Content:
Early Life and Rise to Power
George Branković, the son of Vuk Branković and the son-in-law of Tsar Lazar, ascended to the throne of the Serbian Despotate in 1427. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Ankara, supporting Sultan Bayazid against Timur. Subsequently, he sought to consolidate power in Serbia, leading to conflict with Stefan Lazarević. The dispute culminated in Stefan's recognition of George as his heir and the grant of part of Serbia under his rule.
Exile and Return
In 1426, both Stefan and George fled to Hungary, acknowledging Emperor Sigismund's authority. Following Stefan's death, George Branković became Serbian Despot in 1427. However, he was forced to pay tribute to the Ottomans the following year. In 1439, Sultan Murad II invaded Serbia, prompting George to seek refuge in Hungary. He only managed to return to Serbia ten years later with the assistance of Polish King Władysław III and Hungarian nobleman John Hunyadi.
Decline and Legacy
When Władysław III broke his oath and reignited war with the Ottoman Empire in 1444, George Branković withheld his support, contributing to the disastrous defeat at Varna. In 1453, he dispatched troops under the command of Constantine of Ostrovica to aid Sultan Mehmed II in the siege of Constantinople. George Branković sustained an injury in a battle against Hungarians and eventually succumbed to his wounds. He was married to the Byzantine princess Irene Kantakouzene and fathered at least six children.
