The present invention relates to novel amylolytic enzymes having improved characteristics for the use in starch degradation, in textile or paper desizing and in household detergent compositions. The disclosed -amylases show surprisingly improved properties with respect to the activity level and the combination of thermostability and a higher activity level. These improved properties make them more suitable for the use under more acidic or more alkaline conditions. The improved properties allow also the reduction of the Calcium concentration under application conditions without a loss of performance of the enzyme.