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Map of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Bulgaria, & Greece AD 1000 |
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The Bulgarian kingdom formed in the late seventh century. It largely prospered during the eighth and ninth centuries, solidifying into a medieval state, and expanding outwards to occupy much of the Balkans. Early tenth century anarchy in the Byzantine empire allowed the ruling prince, Simeon, to besiege Constantinople in 913 and receive acknowledgement of his acquisition of the title of tsar (emperor). So began the (First) Bulgarian empire (shown in light brown on the map). The empire was highly successful in fending off raids and opposition by Byzantines, Pechenegs, and Magyars, while also dominating the early Serb states. The coming of the Keivan Rus was another thing entirely. Unable to find success against them, Bulgaria was forced to side with them and then paid the ultimate prince when a Byzantine invasion destroyed the capital and captured the emperor. The empire was dead. Only the western territories remained independent, soon to be dominated in the emperor's name by the cometopuli, the 'sons of the count' (shown inside the dashed lines in western imperial Bulgaria). Today a good deal of this territory lies within Serbia. A clickable version of this map is available for desktop displays. To select a kingdom, state, or tribe for further information, click on its name or within its borders.
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Original text and maps copyright © P L Kessler and the History Files. An original feature for the History Files. Go back or return home. |
