The Serbian medieval period, spanning from the 12th to the 15th centuries, was marked by the rise of the Grand Principality of Serbia and later the Kingdom of Serbia. This era saw the establishment of a centralized state, with notable rulers like Stefan Nemanja and his descendants, who expanded territory and strengthened the Serbian Orthodox Church. During this time, Serbia became a cultural and political center in the Balkans. The construction of significant monasteries, such as Studenica and Žiča, reflected the flourishing of Serbian medieval art and architecture. However, the period ended with the Ottoman conquest in the late 15th century.