First Bulgarian Empire

The First Bulgarian Empire was a medieval state in Southeastern Europe, established in 681 AD by Bulgars under Khan Asparuh. It became a major cultural and political power, especially during the 9th and 10th centuries, contributing to the spread of Christianity, Slavic literacy, and national identity. Its capital was Preslav, and it engaged in significant trade and warfare with Byzantium and neighboring regions. The empire declined after the 11th century due to internal struggles and invasions, eventually falling to Byzantine control in 1018, but it laid the foundation for Bulgarian culture and statehood.