Samuil of Bulgaria

Samuil of Bulgaria was a medieval ruler who reigned as Tsar from 980 to 1014. He is known for defending Bulgaria’s independence against the expanding Byzantine Empire and for strengthening the Bulgarian state during a period of military and cultural revival. Samuil established a strong empire in the Balkans, supported the arts and literacy, and promoted the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. His leadership faced challenges from the Byzantines, culminating in his death during the Byzantine conquest of Bulgaria. Today, he is remembered as a symbol of Bulgarian resistance and national identity.