The First Bulgarian Empire was a medieval state in southeastern Europe founded by Khan Asparuh, the leader of the Bulgars, who crossed the Danube and defeated a Byzantine army, forcing Byzantium to recognize the new state in a treaty. The Bulgar ruling elite gradually merged with the Slavic population. The state expanded under Krum and Omurtag, and Boris I adopted Christianity in 864. His reign saw the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet by disciples of Cyril and Methodius and the growth of literary centers at Preslav and Ohrid. Under Simeon I, who took the title of tsar, Bulgaria reached its greatest extent and cultural height, although he fought long wars with Byzantium. After a period of decline, Emperor Basil II conquered it, defeating the Bulgarian army at Kleidion and completing the conquest in 1018.
Before and after
- 670 CEDeath of Brahmagupta
- from 680 CE to 1355Byzantine–Bulgarian Wars
- from 680 CE to 692 CESecond Fitna
- from 7 November 680 CE to 16 September 681 CEThird Council of Constantinople
- from 681 CE to 1018First Bulgarian Empire
- c. 683 CESrivijaya emerges as a maritime empire in Sumatra
- c. 683 CEEruption of Rabaul
- 6 August 686 CEBattle of Khazir
- 691 CEConstruction of Dome of the Rock
More in Civilizations & archaeology
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- 1239Construction of Alhambra
- 1420Construction of Kremlin
The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 7th century.