Who Was When

You are looking at

Bulgarian Empire

EuropeHeartland today: Bulgaria

Compare with…

Meanwhile…

Medieval Bulgaria in two states: the First Empire (681–1018), from Pliska and Preslav, and the Second (1185–1396), from Tarnovo. Between them lay 167 years of Byzantine control. The empires spread the Slavic script that became Cyrillic.

Also alive at the same time

Key events

  1. Byzantium recognises Bulgar rule between the Balkan range and the Danube by treaty, after Khan Asparuh's people cross the riverDisputed

    The 1911 Britannica puts the crossing of the Danube in 679. Britannica dates the treaty to 681.

    Also happening around

  2. Boris I is baptised and brings Christianity to Bulgaria, later moving the capital from Pliska to Preslav

    Also happening around

  3. – Simeon I reigns from Preslav and takes the title of emperor of the Bulgars and Greeks, the First Empire's high point

    Also happening around

  4. Disciples of Cyril and Methodius in the First Empire build the script later called Cyrillic from Greek capital lettersDisputed

    Britannica dates the script to the 9th–10th century and says Saints Naum and Clement of Ohrid are sometimes credited with devising it. Wikipedia places it at the Preslav Literary School, in the 9th century or the 890s by one scholar's account, and credits Cyril and Methodius's disciples.

    Also happening around

  5. After years of campaigns, Basil II brings Bulgaria under Byzantine control

    Also happening around

  6. The brothers Ivan and Peter Asen of Tarnovo lead a revolt against Byzantine rule and restore Bulgarian independenceDisputed

    Britannica gives 1185 for the revolt; the 1911 Britannica gives 1186.

    Also happening around

  7. – Tsar Ivan Asen II rules from Tarnovo, when the Second Empire reaches its greatest extent and prosperity

    Also happening around

  8. – Ottoman forces take Tarnovo in 1393 and Vidin in 1396, ending Bulgarian independence

    Also happening around