1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Medieval History

Bulgaria: Historical Setting
Library of Congress Country Study

Chronology

Seventh Century

ca. 630

First federation of Bulgar tribes formed.

681

Byzantine Empire recognizes first Bulgarian state.

x

Ninth Century

811

First Bulgarian Empire defeats Byzantine Empire, begins expanding.

870

Tsar Boris I accepts Christianity (Eastern Rite Orthodox) for Bulgarian Empire.

893-927

Reign of Tsar Simeon, first golden age; maximum size of First Bulgarian Empire.

x

Tenth Century

924

Simeon defeated by Byzantines; first empire begins decline.

x

Eleventh Century

1014

Byzantines inflict major military loss on Tsar Samuil.

1018

Bulgaria becomes part of Byzantine Empire.

x

Twelfth Century

1185

Asen and Peter lead revolt against Byzantine Empire, reestablishing Bulgarian state with capital at Turnovo.

x

Thirteenth Century

1202

Tsar Kaloian makes peace with Byzantine Empire, achieves full independence, and begins Second Bulgarian Empire.

1204

Treaty with Rome recognizes pope and consolidates western border of Bulgarian Empire.

1218-1241

Reign of Ivan Asen II, second golden age of Bulgaria and period of territorial expansion

1241

Tatar raids and feudal factionalism begin, causing social and political disorder..

1277

Peasant revolt; "swineherd tsar" Ivailo takes power.

ca. 1300

Tatar raids end.

x

Fourteenth Century

1323-1370

Under Mikhail Shishman and Ivan Aleksandur, territorial and commercial expansion resumes.

1385

Sofia captured by Ottoman Empire.

1389

Turks defeat Serbs at Kosovo Polje, exposing remaining Bulgarian territory to Ottoman occupation.

x

Fifteenth Century

1453

Constantinople falls to Ottoman Empire, ending Byzantine Empire.

x

Sixteenth Century

ca. 1600

Ottoman Empire reaches peak of its power and territorial control.

x

Seventeenth Century

1688

Suppression of Bulgarian revolt against Ottomans at Chiprovets ends Catholic influence in Bulgaria.

 
Bulgaria: Historical Setting
Library of Congress Country Study

Bibliography <<< Contents


This document is in the public domain. You may copy, download, print and distribute this work as you see fit.

Every effort has been made to present this text accurately and cleanly, but no guarantees are made against errors. Neither Melissa Snell nor About.com may be held liable for any problems you experience with the text version or with any electronic form of the document.

 

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >