Tsar Stephen Dušan and Mount Athos

Mount Athos held significant cultural and political importance for medieval Serbia, particularly under the Nemanja dynasty. This study reveals that Tsar Stephen Dušan (1331-1355) maintained strong ties with the Holy Mountain, extending generous support to Athonite monasteries. His policy was not merely a continuation of his predecessors' legacy but also a strategic move to secure the backing of the Greek clergy. The research explores how this relationship was shaped by both familial connections—such as Stephen Nemanja's retreat to Mount Athos—and broader geopolitical ambitions, shedding light on the complex interplay between Serbian governance and Orthodox religious institutions during this period.

Soulis, G. C. (2017). Tsar Stephen Dušan and Mount Athos. The Expansion of Orthodox Europe, 349–363. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315239774-15