Tsar Mihail Shishman (1323 - 1330) Following the early death of
Svetoslav's son, Georgi Terter II, Tsar Mihail Shishman took
over. He spent the years of his rule, from 1323 to 1330, almost
entirely on horseback, the peaceful years under Todor Svetoslav
a thing of the past. The Despot of Vidin Mihail, Shishman was
elected Tsar by the boyars. His enthroning marked the beginning
of a new dynasty, the Shishmans, which was to hold power until
the decline of the Second Bulgarian State. Mihail Shishman
fought many battles, knew the joy of victory and the frustration
of defeat. His first battles with the Byzantines in Thrace
showed the basileus the strength and experience of his opponent.
Constantinople acknowledged Bulgaria's gains south of the Balkan
range. Despot Voisil, who was holding several fortresses in the
Sub-Balkan valley was subdued, too. Several years later the
hostilities between Bulgaria and Byzantium were reopened and
Mihail Shishman was forced to turn to an old ally and a still
older enemy, the Tarta