The First Bulgarian Empire

The First Bulgarian Empire (681–1018) was a powerful medieval state in Southeast Europe, established by Bulgar tribes led by Khan Asparuh. It played a key role in regional politics, culture, and religion, notably adopting Christianity in 865 under Boris I. The empire reached its peak under Tsar Simeon I, becoming a major cultural and military force, with a rich Cyrillic literary tradition. It eventually declined due to internal strife and external threats, falling to Byzantine conquest in 1018. The empire laid foundational cultural and religious influences that impacted Eastern Europe for centuries.