The Bulgarian-Serbian War of 853 was fought between the First Bulgarian Empire and the Serbian Principality.

[1][2][3] After the death of Prince Vlastimir of Serbia in c. 850, his state was divided between his sons.

Vlastimir and Presian, Boris' father, had fought each other in the Bulgar-Serb War (839–42), which resulted in a Serbian victory.

The Serbian army was led by Mutimir and his two brothers, who defeated the Bulgars, capturing Vladimir and 12 boyars.

Boris himself gave them "rich gifts", while he was given "two slaves, two falcons, two dogs, and 80 furs".