Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Boris' second son, Tsar Simeon (r 893-927) expands borders from Romania and Bos-
nia to the Peloponnese, becoming Europe's strongest power.
972
Byzantines capture and burn Bulgarian capital, Preslav; the leadership relocates to
Ohrid, their capital until the Byzantine reconquest in 1018.
1014
Byzantine forces win decisively at the Battle of Kleidion/Belasitsa in southwestern
Bulgaria, auguring the Bulgarian Empire's demise four years later.
1185-1396
Aristocrat brothers Asen and Petâr rebel against a weakening Byzantium, establishing
the Second Bulgarian Empire, with Veliko Târnovo the capital. Tsar Ivan Ase n II
(1218-41) expands Bulgaria's borders.
1396
Bulgaria's last native king, Tsar Ivan Shishman (1371-96), is defeated and Bulgaria is
annexed by the Ottoman Empire, beginning 500 years of harsh Islamic rule.
1598
The First Târnovo Uprising against Turkish rule briefly liberates Veliko Târnovo. A
new tsar is crowned, but the revolt is brutally crushed. Thousands of Bulgarians flee to
Wallachia.
1686
Austrian victories against the Turks inspire revolts in northern Bulgaria, but the so-
called Second Târnovo Uprising is squashed.
1762
The National Revival era; monk Paisii Hilendarski's groundbreaking
Slav-Bulgarian
History
captivates Bulgarians. By the 19th century, Bulgarian-language education
(1840s) is allowed.
1854-56
