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Group: Mandinka people
People: Constantine Bodin
Topic: Brandywine, Battle of
Location: Poti > Phasis Georgia

Constantine Bodin

ruler of Duklja
Years: 1045 - 1101

Constantine Bodin (fl.

1072–1101) is the Serbian ruler of Duklja, from 1081 to 1101, succeeding his father, Mihailo (r. 1050–1081).

Born in peaceful times, when the Serbs were subjects of the Byzantine Empire, his father was in 1072 approached by Bulgarian nobility who sought aid in their revolt against the Byzantines; Mihailo sent them Bodin, who was crowned Bulgarian Tsar under the name Petar III and joined the short-lived revolt, being captured the following year after initial success.

He was freed in 1078, and upon the death of his father in 1081 he succeeded the throne.

Having renewed his acknowledgement of Byzantine overlordship, he soon sided with their enemies, the Normans, which resulted in a Byzantine invasion and his capture.

Although he quickly had himself freed, his reputation and influence wane.

He was pushed aside by one of his governors and nephews, Vukan in Raška, who continued the struggle against the Byzantines.