Stefan Nemanja

Stefan Nemanja was a medieval Serbian ruler and a foundational figure in Serbian history, living in the 12th century. He became the Grand Prince of Serbia and is credited with unifying various Serbian territories, strengthening the medieval Serbian state. Nemanja founded the Monastery of Studenica, which became a cultural and religious center. He was also a reformer of the Serbian Orthodox Church and later became a monk, taking the name Simeon. His leadership laid the groundwork for the medieval Serbian empire, and he is venerated as a saint in the Serbian Orthodox tradition.