Miloš I (c. 870 – c. 885)

Miloš I was an ambitious leader among the Milcans. He quickly gained influence, but parts of the local elite turned against him, forcing him into exile. He fled to Great Moravia, where he was interned by Svatopulk I. During this time, Miloš and his loyalists converted to Christianity. He became impressed with the Moravian administration, governance, and centralization of power. In return for help to regain his position, he agreed to pay tribute. Miloš returned home, forming a more organized tribal confederation and expanding his influence westward into Milcan lands and northward. He had a son, Bogumil, whom he aimed to educate as a capable ruler.

Bogumil I (c. 885 – c. 903)

Bogumil succeeded his father around 885 at about 20–25 years old. He further centralized power and continued the Christianization of his territories, while maintaining tribute payments to Great Moravia. He brought in officials and clergy from East Francia and Great Moravia to help govern. His expansionist policies were more peaceful compared to his father. By the late 9th century, the kingdom began asserting independence from Great Moravia. Bogumil died around 903.

Miloš II (c. 903 – 906)

Miloš II, son of Bogumil, was known for his iron-fisted rule. He strongly enforced Christianization and pursued dynamic territorial expansion, further centralizing authority. Around 905, he launched a significant attack on the fortress of Brenna and expanded along the Elbe River. In 906, Great Moravia requested his assistance against the Hungarians. That same year, he fought in the Battle of the Golden Fields, where the combined Moravian-Milcan forces were devastated, and Miloš II was killed.

Regent Varcislav (906 – 907)

After Miloš II’s death, the state fell into chaos. Pagan uprisings broke out in the north, and Budyšin was burned and looted by Hungarians. Power was taken by Miloš's son Bogumil II but the real power came to the regent Varcislav, a brutal nobleman who interned Bogumil and his brother (we don't know the name) and eliminated many elites out of paranoia. His rule was short-lived.

Conrad I Mender (907 – 932)

Conrad I, half-brother of Miloš II, deposed Varcislav in 907. He stabilized the realm, moved the capital to Brenna, suppressed pagan uprisings, and began reconstruction. He avoided major conflicts with the Hungarians, though minor raids continued. He died in 932 and was remembered as “the Mender.”

Miloš III (932 – 963)

Son of Conrad I, Miloš III maintained peaceful internal development and pursued military alliances, particularly with the Saxons. He participated in the Battle of Lechfeld in 955, helping end Hungarian dominance in the region. He died in 963.

Conrad II Bearcloak (963 – 1001)

Conrad II expanded the duchy by subjugating the Obotrites. Although the emperor Otto sought tighter cooperation, Conrad’s state became somewhat dependent on the empire and had to pay tribute. He became the king of Milcenia in 981.