The Second Bulgarian Empire was the medieval Bulgarian state that rose after a revolt by the brothers Peter and Asen against Byzantine rule, restoring Bulgarian independence after about a century and a half of Byzantine control. Its capital was Tarnovo, a hilltop fortress city. Under Kaloyan the empire gained recognition from the pope, and under Ivan Asen II, who won the Battle of Klokotnitsa, it controlled much of the Balkans and became the region's leading power. It declined in the later thirteenth century because of Mongol raids, internal conflicts and rival states. The Ottomans took Tarnovo in the 1390s, and the last Bulgarian territories fell soon after.
Before and after
- 24 June 1182Birth of Francis of Assisi
- from 30 September 1183 to 6 October 1183Battle of Al-Fule
- from November 1183 to December 1183Siege of Kerak
- from 1185 to 1333Kamakura period
- from 1185 to 1396Second Bulgarian Empire
- 1186Construction of Studenica monastery
- c. 1187Origins of Stockholm
- from 1187 to 1833Construction of Alcobaça Monastery
- from 20 September 1187 to 2 October 1187Conquest of Jerusalem
More in Civilizations & archaeology
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 12th century.