Ivan Asen II vs Li Chun

Ivan Asen II expanded Bulgarian territory through campaigns against the Latin Empire and the Kingdom of Thessalonica. He captured Adrianople and extended Bulgarian influence into the Peloponnese.

Ivan Asen II defeated the Despotate of Epirus at Klokotnitsa. The victory restored Bulgarian control over Thrace, Macedonia, and Albania, making Bulgaria the dominant power in the Balkans.

Ivan Asen II built the Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs in Veliko Tarnovo to commemorate his victory at Klokotnitsa. The church became a major cultural and religious monument.

Ivan Asen II secured recognition of the Bulgarian Patriarchate from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. This restored the autocephalous status of the Bulgarian Church, enhancing national prestige.

Li Chun launched a series of military campaigns to reassert central control over rebellious fanzhen. He defeated the warlords of Sichuan, Zhenhai, and other provinces, reducing their autonomy and restoring imperial authority.

Li Chun's forces defeated the powerful Zhaoyi fanzhen, whose military governor had rebelled. This victory was a major achievement of the Yuanhe Restoration, demonstrating the Tang court's renewed military strength.

After a long campaign, the Chengde fanzhen submitted to central authority. This was the last major fanzhen to be brought under control during Li Chun's reign, marking the peak of the Yuanhe Restoration.

Li Chun died in 820, possibly poisoned by eunuchs. His death ended the Yuanhe Restoration, and subsequent emperors were unable to maintain the central authority he had reestablished.