…Thessaly and rule independently in 1358/59 following…

…Thessaly and rule independently in 1358/59 following the death of Nikephoros II Orsini of Epirus.

While Simeon Uroš is in Epirus, Radoslav Hlapen of Vodena attempts to seize Thessaly on behalf of his stepson Thomas Preljubović.

Simeon Uroš is forced to cut his losses by recognizing Radoslav Hlapen's conquests, turning over Kastoria to him, and marrying his daughter Maria to Thomas.

Hlapen recognizes Simeon Uroš's suzerainty in at least some of these lands and provides a buffer between him and the Serbian nobles to the north.

Simeon Uroš establishes himself in Trikala in Thessaly, and spends the remaining decade of his reign in relative peace.

He soon recognizes two of the Albanian leaders in Epirus, Gjin Bua Shpata and Peter Losha, as despotes of Arta and Angelokastron.

He turns over Ioannina, his last major possession in Epirus, to his son-in-law Thomas  who from 1366 reigns there as vassal despotes.

Simeon Uroš In Trikala presides over a court including Greek, Serbian, and Albanian nobles, but he shows preference for the Greek relatives of his wife.

He also founds and generously endows the monasteries of Meteora.

He dies sometime between 1369 and 1371, and his son John succeeds him.