Cut-out detail; background removed. Papal seal in the National Museum of Ireland. The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible.
Papal bull

Kaloyan · Second Tsardom

Kaloyan and the captured emperor

How does Baldwin become a prisoner?

9 scenes · 4 min · Sources · 20

Kaloyan receives a crown from a papal envoy. Months later, his army captures Baldwin near Adrianople. Letters and an opponent’s account show how recognition and war went together.

The capture of Constantinople in a later miniature. An artistic depiction from the fifteenth century attributed to Loyset Liédet, BnF Arsenal Ms 5090, folio 205r. Not an eyewitness image from 1204.
The land walls of Constantinople. A present-day photograph in Istanbul with surviving and restored masonry. It does not identify the point of entry in 1204.

Part 1 · Second Tsardom

The emperor does not return

In April 1205, Emperor Baldwin I is captured near Adrianople. His victor is Tsar Kaloyan, Bulgaria’s ruler. A year earlier, Baldwin’s army captured Constantinople, capital of Byzantium, the Eastern Roman Empire. He was then elected emperor. The conquerors’ state is known as the Latin Empire.

These conquerors are crusaders: warriors on a campaign proclaimed in the Christian faith’s name. Here they have attacked another Christian city. Now they lose their ruler in battle against another Christian ruler.

Listen to scene · 1

Synthetic voice · 0:33
Sources · 5
  1. Angel Nikolov Archaeological evidence of Bulgaria’s contacts with the Latin Empire and the Roman Church in the first half of the 13th century. Preliminary remarks PDF Studia Academica Šumenensia. Shumen University Press · 2021 · 8 · 227–260
  2. Florin Curta Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages, 500–1250 PDF Cambridge Medieval Textbooks. Cambridge University Press · 2006 · xxv
  3. Geoffrey de Villehardouin; translated by Frank T. Marzials Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople London: J. M. Dent,; Fordham University Internet Medieval Sourcebook · 1908 · 64–69, 87–102
  4. Loyset Liédet; reproduction via Wikimedia Commons File:ConquestOfConstantinopleByTheCrusadersIn1204.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
  5. Johann H. Addicks (-jha-) File:Theodosianische Landmauer in Istanbul.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
Innocent III in a thirteenth-century fresco at Subiaco. An artistic likeness made after Kaloyan’s time. The painter is unknown; Carlo Raso is the photographer.
Tsarevets: remains and reconstructions. A present-day overview of the fortified hill at Tarnovo. The reconstructed buildings are not an intact medieval capital.

Part 2 · Second Tsardom

Leo crowns Kaloyan

Kaloyan wants other rulers to recognize his authority. He writes to Innocent III, the pope, who heads the Roman Church. Negotiations lead to a union: the Bulgarian Church accepts the pope’s supreme authority. Rome recognizes the ruler.

On 8 November 1204, Leo places a crown on Kaloyan’s head at Tarnovo. Leo is a cardinal: a senior churchman and papal envoy. He also gives him a sceptre, a staff representing authority. The pope sends a banner bearing a cross and keys.

Listen to scene · 2

Synthetic voice · 0:32
Sources · 5
  1. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53
  2. Francesco Dall’Aglio Rex or Imperator? Kalojan’s Royal Title in the Correspondence with Innocent III PDF Studia Ceranea · 2019 · 9 · 171–185
  3. Angel Nikolov Archaeological evidence of Bulgaria’s contacts with the Latin Empire and the Roman Church in the first half of the 13th century. Preliminary remarks PDF Studia Academica Šumenensia. Shumen University Press · 2021 · 8 · 227–260
  4. Carlo Raso; medieval painter unknown File:Pope Innocent III (Monastery of Subiaco).jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
  5. www.vacacionesbulgaria.com (Infobgv) File:Tsarevets-Panorama.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
Lead seal of Innocent III: two sides. An English find. This is not a seal from a documented letter to Kaloyan.
Papal seal in the National Museum of Ireland. The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible.

Part 3 · Second Tsardom

The pope’s seal

How could a recipient recognize a document from the pope? A metal seal was one sign. The photograph shows both sides of Innocent III’s lead seal. His name is on the left. On the right are two apostles’ worn faces: early followers of Jesus. Such seals authenticated papal documents.

This object was found in England. No link to a letter to Kaloyan is known. According to the photographer’s description, the second seal comes from Dublin. Their resemblance helps identify the type.

1 · The pope’s name
The left-hand view carries Innocent’s name and the number three. The catalog reads the inscription as INNOCENTIVS PP III.
2 · Two apostles
The right-hand view shows the worn faces of the apostles Paul and Peter. Apostles were early followers of Jesus. The figures help identify the papal seal.
3 · Pierced metal
The same piercing appears in both views. The catalog records it without establishing when or why it was made. It does not prove how a particular letter was attached.

Listen to scene · 3

Synthetic voice · 0:29
Sources · 3
  1. Rebecca Griffiths / York Museums Trust File:Medieval, Papal bulla of Pope Innocent III (FindID 891636).jpg Wikimedia Commons; Portable Antiquities Scheme, York Museums Trust, record 891636
  2. Sailko File:Sigillo di papa innocenzo III, da high street, dublino, 1198-1216 ca.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
  3. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53

Part 4 · Second Tsardom

Activity: what does the union mean?

What does the Bulgarian Church accept through the union in this story?

  1. The supreme authority of the pope.
  2. Baldwin as the ruler of Bulgaria.
  3. A peace treaty ending the war.
Why is that?

The union is a church agreement accepting papal authority. It brings Kaloyan recognition but does not guarantee peace.

Correct · The supreme authority of the pope.

  1. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53
  2. Angel Nikolov Archaeological evidence of Bulgaria’s contacts with the Latin Empire and the Roman Church in the first half of the 13th century. Preliminary remarks PDF Studia Academica Šumenensia. Shumen University Press · 2021 · 8 · 227–260

Listen to scene · 4

Synthetic voice · 0:04
Sources · 2
  1. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53
  2. Angel Nikolov Archaeological evidence of Bulgaria’s contacts with the Latin Empire and the Roman Church in the first half of the 13th century. Preliminary remarks PDF Studia Academica Šumenensia. Shumen University Press · 2021 · 8 · 227–260
Remains of Adrianople’s fortifications. A present-day photograph of walls and the base of the Macedonian Tower at Adrianople, now Edirne. Individual masonry phases are not assigned here to the siege of 1205.
Geographic context, without historical bordersGeographic context, without historical borders1234
Geographic context, without historical borders

Part 5 · Second Tsardom

Banners above a besieged city

Find Adrianople between Tarnovo and Constantinople. In spring 1205, Greek inhabitants of Thrace rise against the Latin conquerors. Some seek Kaloyan’s help. One of the Latin commanders tells this story.

Baldwin besieges Adrianople. According to the chronicler, the writer of this account, Kaloyan’s banners already fly on its walls. Food is short in the besiegers’ camp. Kaloyan comes to help the city.

Listen to scene · 5

Synthetic voice · 0:26
Sources · 7
  1. Geoffrey de Villehardouin; translated by Frank T. Marzials Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople London: J. M. Dent,; Fordham University Internet Medieval Sourcebook · 1908 · 64–69, 87–102
  2. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53
  3. Wikimedia geographical database contributors Adrianople: geographical record
  4. Wikimedia geographical database contributors Tarnovo: geographical record
  5. Wikimedia geographical database contributors Constantinople: geographical record
  6. Wikimedia geographical database contributors Rome: geographical record
  7. Dosseman File:Edirne Roman Walls and Macedonian Tower 0210.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API

Part 6 · Second Tsardom

The Cumans turn

Kaloyan has Cuman allies: mounted warriors who shoot with bows. On Wednesday after Easter, they approach the Latin camp. Their pursuers come under their arrows. That evening, the Latin commanders decide to stay together before the camp.

But on Thursday, 14 April 1205, the nobleman Louis follows the Cumans. He calls Baldwin after him. After a long pursuit, the Cumans turn and shoot. The Latin forces are defeated. Louis dies; Baldwin is captured alive. This is how a Latin commander describes his own side’s defeat.

Listen to scene · 6

Synthetic voice · 0:35
Sources · 2
  1. Geoffrey de Villehardouin; translated by Frank T. Marzials Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople London: J. M. Dent,; Fordham University Internet Medieval Sourcebook · 1908 · 64–69, 87–102
  2. Angel Nikolov Archaeological evidence of Bulgaria’s contacts with the Latin Empire and the Roman Church in the first half of the 13th century. Preliminary remarks PDF Studia Academica Šumenensia. Shumen University Press · 2021 · 8 · 227–260

Part 7 · Second Tsardom

Put the three events in order

Put the three events in order, earliest first.

  1. The crusaders capture Constantinople.
  2. Leo crowns Kaloyan at Tarnovo.
  3. Baldwin is captured near Adrianople.
Why is that?

Constantinople is captured in April 1204. Kaloyan is crowned in November. Baldwin is captured in April 1205.

Correct order

  1. The crusaders capture Constantinople.
  2. Leo crowns Kaloyan at Tarnovo.
  3. Baldwin is captured near Adrianople.
  1. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53
  2. Geoffrey de Villehardouin; translated by Frank T. Marzials Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople London: J. M. Dent,; Fordham University Internet Medieval Sourcebook · 1908 · 64–69, 87–102
  3. Florin Curta Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages, 500–1250 PDF Cambridge Medieval Textbooks. Cambridge University Press · 2006 · xxv

Listen to scene · 7

Synthetic voice · 0:03
Sources · 3
  1. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53
  2. Geoffrey de Villehardouin; translated by Frank T. Marzials Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople London: J. M. Dent,; Fordham University Internet Medieval Sourcebook · 1908 · 64–69, 87–102
  3. Florin Curta Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages, 500–1250 PDF Cambridge Medieval Textbooks. Cambridge University Press · 2006 · xxv
The reconstructed Baldwin Tower. A present-day photograph of a reconstructed tower at Tsarevets. Tradition links it to Baldwin; the photograph does not prove the location of his prison.

Part 8 · Second Tsardom

The prisoner and the tower

The photograph shows Baldwin Tower on Tsarevets, the fortified hill at Tarnovo. Its appearance results from twentieth-century reconstruction. Tradition identifies it as the emperor’s prison. His precise prison location is unproven. An archaeological study suggests the medieval tower was probably built after the battle.

Baldwin’s capture is attested. The story linking him to this particular tower is a legend.

Listen to scene · 8

Synthetic voice · 0:25
Sources · 6
  1. Geoffrey de Villehardouin; translated by Frank T. Marzials Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople London: J. M. Dent,; Fordham University Internet Medieval Sourcebook · 1908 · 64–69, 87–102
  2. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53
  3. Evgeni Dermendzhiev / Евгени Дерменджиев Югоизточно подградие на столичния Търновград или „Френкхисар“ – квартал на западноевропейски търговци PDF Известия на Регионален исторически музей – Велико Търново · 2017 · XXXII · 63–132
  4. Община Велико Търново Архитектурно-музеен резерват „Царевец“ Official municipal website
  5. ФиУеб ЕООД; unofficial informational website, explicitly unaffiliated with local authorities Царевец — Проучване и възстановяване Tsarevets.eu (unofficial site)
  6. Андрей Романенко File:Baldwin Tower, view from below 01.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API

Part 9 · Second Tsardom

Activity: who does what?

Match each participant to their role in the story.

  1. Cardinal Leo · The papal envoy who crowns Kaloyan.
  2. Baldwin · The emperor captured near Adrianople.
  3. The Cumans · Kaloyan’s mounted allies.
Why is that?

Leo acts at the coronation, Baldwin is the prisoner after the battle, and the Cumans take part in pursuits and archery.

  1. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53
  2. Geoffrey de Villehardouin; translated by Frank T. Marzials Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople London: J. M. Dent,; Fordham University Internet Medieval Sourcebook · 1908 · 64–69, 87–102

Listen to scene · 9

Synthetic voice · 0:03
Sources · 2
  1. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53
  2. Geoffrey de Villehardouin; translated by Frank T. Marzials Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople London: J. M. Dent,; Fordham University Internet Medieval Sourcebook · 1908 · 64–69, 87–102

A new find for your collection

A papal crown does not ensure peace. At Adrianople, pursuit of the Cumans ends in defeat and Baldwin’s capture.

People in this story

Sources

  1. Dosseman File:Edirne Roman Walls and Macedonian Tower 0210.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
  2. Андрей Романенко File:Baldwin Tower, view from below 01.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
  3. Loyset Liédet; reproduction via Wikimedia Commons File:ConquestOfConstantinopleByTheCrusadersIn1204.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
  4. Johann H. Addicks (-jha-) File:Theodosianische Landmauer in Istanbul.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
  5. Sailko File:Sigillo di papa innocenzo III, da high street, dublino, 1198-1216 ca.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
  6. Rebecca Griffiths / York Museums Trust File:Medieval, Papal bulla of Pope Innocent III (FindID 891636).jpg Wikimedia Commons; Portable Antiquities Scheme, York Museums Trust, record 891636
  7. Carlo Raso; medieval painter unknown File:Pope Innocent III (Monastery of Subiaco).jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
  8. www.vacacionesbulgaria.com (Infobgv) File:Tsarevets-Panorama.jpg Wikimedia Commons; media file description and imageinfo API
  9. Wikimedia geographical database contributors Adrianople: geographical record
  10. Wikimedia geographical database contributors Constantinople: geographical record
  11. Wikimedia geographical database contributors Rome: geographical record
  12. Wikimedia geographical database contributors Tarnovo: geographical record
  13. Florin Curta Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages, 500–1250 PDF Cambridge Medieval Textbooks. Cambridge University Press · 2006 · xxv
  14. Francesco Dall’Aglio Rex or Imperator? Kalojan’s Royal Title in the Correspondence with Innocent III PDF Studia Ceranea · 2019 · 9 · 171–185
  15. Evgeni Dermendzhiev / Евгени Дерменджиев Югоизточно подградие на столичния Търновград или „Френкхисар“ – квартал на западноевропейски търговци PDF Известия на Регионален исторически музей – Велико Търново · 2017 · XXXII · 63–132
  16. Innocent III, Kaloyan and Archbishop Basil; Bulgarian translation Mihail Voynov and Ivan Duychev; notes Ivan Bozhilov; general editor Emil Iv. Dimitrov Преписка на българите с папа Инокентий III Държава и църква през XIII век. Синодик на цар Борил. Sofia: Slavika; digital transcription at kroraina.com · 1999 · 8–9, 22–25, 34–35, 46–53
  17. Angel Nikolov Archaeological evidence of Bulgaria’s contacts with the Latin Empire and the Roman Church in the first half of the 13th century. Preliminary remarks PDF Studia Academica Šumenensia. Shumen University Press · 2021 · 8 · 227–260
  18. Община Велико Търново Архитектурно-музеен резерват „Царевец“ Official municipal website
  19. ФиУеб ЕООД; unofficial informational website, explicitly unaffiliated with local authorities Царевец — Проучване и възстановяване Tsarevets.eu (unofficial site)
  20. Geoffrey de Villehardouin; translated by Frank T. Marzials Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople London: J. M. Dent,; Fordham University Internet Medieval Sourcebook · 1908 · 64–69, 87–102

Images

Sailko · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible.

Open source

Full attribution

Sailko / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0. The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible. Unmodified. Cut-out detail; background removed.

Loyset Liédet · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

An artistic depiction from the fifteenth century attributed to Loyset Liédet, BnF Arsenal Ms 5090, folio 205r. Not an eyewitness image from 1204.

Open source

Full attribution

Loyset Liédet; reproduction via Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. An artistic depiction from the fifteenth century attributed to Loyset Liédet, BnF Arsenal Ms 5090, folio 205r. Not an eyewitness image from 1204. Unmodified. Processed image.

Johann H. Addicks · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A present-day photograph in Istanbul with surviving and restored masonry. It does not identify the point of entry in 1204.

Open source

Full attribution

Johann H. Addicks (-jha-) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. A present-day photograph in Istanbul with surviving and restored masonry. It does not identify the point of entry in 1204. Unmodified. Processed image.

Carlo Raso · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

An artistic likeness made after Kaloyan’s time. The painter is Unknown; Carlo Raso is the photographer.

Open source

Full attribution

Carlo Raso; medieval painter unknown / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. An artistic likeness made after Kaloyan’s time. The painter is Unknown; Carlo Raso is the photographer. Unmodified. Processed image.

www.vacacionesbulgaria.com · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A present-day overview of the fortified hill at Tarnovo. The reconstructed buildings are not an intact medieval capital.

Open source

Full attribution

www.vacacionesbulgaria.com (Infobgv) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A present-day overview of the fortified hill at Tarnovo. The reconstructed buildings are not an intact medieval capital. Unmodified. Processed image.

Rebecca Griffiths / York Museums Trust · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

An English find. This is not a seal from a documented letter to Kaloyan.

Open source

Full attribution

Rebecca Griffiths / York Museums Trust / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. An English find. This is not a seal from a documented letter to Kaloyan. Unmodified. Processed image.

Sailko · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible.

Open source

Full attribution

Sailko / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0. The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible. Unmodified. Processed image.

Dosseman · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A present-day photograph of walls and the base of the Macedonian Tower at Adrianople, now Edirne. Individual masonry phases are not assigned here to the siege of 1205.

Open source

Full attribution

Dosseman / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A present-day photograph of walls and the base of the Macedonian Tower at Adrianople, now Edirne. Individual masonry phases are not assigned here to the siege of 1205. Unmodified. Processed image.

Андрей Романенко · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A present-day photograph of a reconstructed tower at Tsarevets. Tradition links it to Baldwin; the photograph does not prove the location of his prison.

Open source

Full attribution

Андрей Романенко / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A present-day photograph of a reconstructed tower at Tsarevets. Tradition links it to Baldwin; the photograph does not prove the location of his prison. Unmodified. Processed image.

Geographic context, without historical borders

Tom Patterson · Nathaniel Vaughn Kelso · Public domain · Natural Earth

Open source

Full attribution

Tom Patterson · Nathaniel Vaughn Kelso