Emperor Dušan (Stefan Dušan)

Emperor Dušan, also known as Stefan Dušan, was a medieval Serbian ruler who reigned from 1331 to 1355. He transformed Serbia into a large, powerful empire by expanding its territory through military conquest and establishing a centralized government. Dušan is known for codifying laws and promoting Serbian Orthodoxy, strengthening national identity. His reign marked a high point in medieval Serbian history, creating a unified state that covered much of the Balkans. Although his empire declined after his death, Dušan remains a significant figure for his military achievements, legal reforms, and efforts to elevate Serbian culture and religion.