The series, which covers 200 years of rule by the most influential Serbian medieval dynasty, marks the 800th anniversary of the Kingdom of Serbia's founding and the coronation of Stefan the First-Crowned. The project was directed by Marko Marinković, written by Gordan Mihić, and produced by Radio-Television of Serbia.
Stefan Nemanja asks the people for—and receives—their consent to begin the fight for the salvation and freedom of all enslaved Serbian lands. Byzantine Emperor Manuel Komnenos dies, and a power struggle erupts in Byzantium. Nemanja intends to attack Byzantium. Nemanja helps the Holy Roman Empire's army by providing safe passage and food for the Third Crusade. Raska and Stefan cannot admit their mutual love, which they cannot fulfill.
Rastko is becoming a monk. Stefan and Evdokia are getting married in a church. Vukan promises the Pope that he will spread Catholicism in his country, Zeta. Russia intends to leave the court. The Pope accepts Vuk's offer, demanding complete obedience. Stephen doesn't like Eudokia's flippancy. Stefan and Raska seek help from Bulgarian Tsar Kaloyan to restore Stefan to the throne. Kaloyan promises Stefan help in his conflict with Vukan and the Hungarian king.
