First Bulgarian Empire Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

First Bulgarian Empire

ц︢рьство бл︢гарское

681–1018

First Bulgarian Empire in 850

Capital

Pliska (681–893),
Preslav (893–968/972),
Skopje, Ohrid, Bitola (until 1018)

Common languages

Bulgar,
Proto-Slavic,
Byzantine Greek,
Balkan Romance,
Old Bulgarian (official from 893)

Religion

Tengrism, Slavic paganism (681–864),
Orthodox Christianity (state religion from 864)

Government

Absolute monarchy

Monarch

• 681-700

Asparuh (first)

• 1015-1018

Ivan Vladislav of Bulgaria (last)

Historical era

Middle Ages

• Asparuh arrives and defeats Eastern Rome at the Battle of Ongal

680

• New Bulgarian state recognized by Eastern Rome

681

• Christianisation

864

• Adoption of Old Bulgarian as a national language

893

• Simeon I assumes the title of Tsar (Emperor)

913

• Theme Bulgaria established in Byzantine Empire

1018 1018

Area

895

440,000 km² (170,000 sq mi)

927

325,000 km² (125,000 sq mi)

1000

235,000 km² (91,000 sq mi)

Preceded by

Succeeded by

	Quaestura exercitus
	Avar Khaganate
	Old Great Bulgaria

Byzantine Empire under the Macedonian dynasty

The First Bulgarian Empire (in Old Bulgarian: ц︢рьство бл︢гарское, ts'rstvo bl'garskoe) was a powerful medieval state in Europe. It was founded in the year 681 AD near the Danube Delta. This empire lasted for over 300 years before it became part of the Byzantine Empire in 1018 AD. It played a big role in shaping the history of southeastern Europe.

The Start of the Bulgarian Empire
- Becoming an Official State
Life and Culture in the Empire
- Religion and Beliefs
- Language and Learning
Powerful Leaders and Expansion
The End of the Empire
Images for kids
See also

The Start of the Bulgarian Empire

The First Bulgarian Empire began when a group of people called the Bulgars, led by Khan Asparuh, moved into the lands south of the Danube River. They joined forces with the local Slavic tribes. Together, they defeated the strong Byzantine Empire at the Battle of Ongal in 680 AD.

Becoming an Official State

After their victory, the Byzantine Empire officially recognized the new Bulgarian state in 681 AD. This marked the true beginning of the First Bulgarian Empire. Its first capital city was Pliska, a large and important center.

Life and Culture in the Empire

The First Bulgarian Empire was a mix of different cultures. The Bulgars and Slavs lived together, and over time, they blended their traditions.

Religion and Beliefs

At first, the Bulgars followed a religion called Tengrism, and the Slavs had their own pagan beliefs. However, in 864 AD, a very important change happened: Bulgaria adopted Orthodox Christianity as its official state religion. This event, known as the Christianisation, brought Bulgaria closer to the Byzantine Empire's culture and religion.

Language and Learning

For many years, people spoke different languages like Bulgar and Proto-Slavic. But in 893 AD, Old Bulgarian became the official language of the empire. This was a big step for Bulgarian culture. It helped create a unique Bulgarian identity and led to the development of the Cyrillic alphabet, which is still used today in many countries.

Powerful Leaders and Expansion

The First Bulgarian Empire had several strong leaders who helped it grow and become very powerful.

Khan Krum's Rule

One of the most famous rulers was Khan Krum (803-814 AD). He was a fierce warrior who greatly expanded the empire's borders. Under his rule, Bulgaria became a major force in the region, often clashing with the Byzantine Empire.

Simeon I: The Golden Age

The empire reached its largest size and greatest power under Emperor Simeon I (913-927 AD). He was also known as Simeon the Great. In 913 AD, he took the title of Tsar (Emperor), showing Bulgaria's strength and independence. This period is often called the "Golden Age" of Bulgarian culture and literature.

Emperor Samuel's Fight for Survival

Later, Emperor Samuel (until 1014 AD) led the empire during a time of intense conflict with the Byzantine Empire. He fought many battles to protect Bulgaria's independence. His fortress in Ohrid was a key stronghold.

The End of the Empire

Despite its strength, the First Bulgarian Empire eventually faced overwhelming pressure from the Byzantine Empire. After many wars, the Byzantines finally conquered Bulgaria in 1018 AD. The empire was then absorbed into the Byzantine Empire, marking its end.

Images for kids

Slavic tribes and states in Early Middle Ages
The Bulgar colonies after the fall of Old Great Bulgaria in the 7th century.
Zones of control by Slavic tribes and Bulgars in the late 7th century
Part of the Pliska fortress.
Territorial expansion during the reign of Krum
Bulgaria under Presian
Bulgarian Empire during the reign of Simeon I
Emperor Simeon I: The Morning Star of Slavonic Literature, painting by Alfons Mucha
Bulgaria under the rule of Emperor Samuel
Samuel's Fortress in Ohrid
Above: The Byzantines defeat Samuel at Kleidion; below: the death of Samuel, Manasses Chronicle
A replica of a Bulgarian sabre found near the town of Varbitsa
A battle scene of the Byzantine–Bulgarian war of 894–896, Madrid Skylitzes
A pendant of the Preslav treasure
Slavic mythology: Sadko (1876) by Ilya Repin
Baptism of Boris I and his court, painting by Nikolai Pavlovich
A medieval icon of Saint Clement of Ohrid, a high-ranking official of the Bulgarian Church, scholar, writer and enlightener of the Bulgarians and the Slavs
Culture of the First Bulgarian Empire
The ruins of Pliska, the first capital of Bulgaria
The Madara Rider
Early Christian reliefs
Ceramic icon of Saint Theodore, Preslav ceramics, c. 900.
The Old Bulgarian alphabet
A page with the Alphabet Prayer by Constantine of Preslav