TTC8

TSAR

  File:Tsar crown.jpg

The crown of the Russian Tsar

Title
Origin	Latin: Caesar
Usage	Monarchs of Russia, Bulgaria, and Serbia

The term Tsar (also spelled Czar) is a title used to designate certain monarchs or supreme rulers in Eastern Europe. The title is derived from the Latin word "Caesar," which was used by Roman emperors. Historically, the title "Tsar" was used by the rulers of Russia, Bulgaria, and Serbia.

Etymology

The word "Tsar" is derived from the Latin "Caesar," which was a title used by Roman emperors. The title was adopted by Slavic monarchs to signify their status as supreme rulers. In Russian, the word is spelled "Царь" and pronounced "Tsar." The title was first used in Russia by Ivan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible, in 1547.

Historical Usage

Russia

In Russia, the title "Tsar" was first officially used by Ivan IV in 1547, marking the beginning of the Tsardom of Russia. The title was used by Russian monarchs until 1721, when Peter the Great adopted the title of "Emperor of All Russia." However, the term "Tsar" continued to be used informally to refer to the Russian monarchs until the fall of the Russian Empire in 1917.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the title "Tsar" was used by the rulers of the First and Second Bulgarian Empires. The first Bulgarian ruler to use the title was Simeon I, who was proclaimed Tsar in 913. The title was used until the fall of the Second Bulgarian Empire in 1396.

Serbia

In Serbia, the title "Tsar" was used by the rulers of the Serbian Empire. The most notable Serbian Tsar was Stefan Dušan, who was crowned Tsar in 1346. The Serbian Empire lasted until 1371.

Cultural Significance

The title "Tsar" holds significant cultural and historical importance in Eastern Europe. It symbolizes the autocratic and divine right of the monarchs who held it. The use of the title was often associated with the ruler's claim to be the legitimate successor of the Roman and Byzantine emperors.

Decline and Abolition

The use of the title "Tsar" declined with the fall of the monarchies in Eastern Europe. In Russia, the title was abolished following the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the establishment of the Soviet Union. In Bulgaria, the monarchy was abolished in 1946, and in Serbia, the title ceased to be used after the fall of the Serbian Empire.

Also see

• Ivan IV of Russia
• Peter the Great
• Simeon I of Bulgaria
• Stefan Dušan
• Russian Empire
• Byzantine Empire