--- title: Map of the First Bulgarian Empire under Simeon the Great author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16836/map-of-the-first-bulgarian-empire-under-simeon-the/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2025-10-01 --- # Map of the First Bulgarian Empire under Simeon the Great _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the First Bulgarian Empire under Simeon the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16836.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16836.png) ## Image Caption The First Bulgarian [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) under Simeon I the Great (893–927 CE) was the most powerful phase of medieval Bulgaria, shaped by the ruler’s ambition to claim imperial authority rivaling [Byzantium](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantium/). A union of Bulgars and [Slavs](https://www.worldhistory.org/Slavs/) that had adopted [Christianity](https://www.worldhistory.org/christianity/) under Boris I in 864, Bulgaria expanded territorially and culturally during Simeon’s reign. Simeon was the first Bulgarian ruler to use the title [tsar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tsar/) (from Latin [caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/caesar/)), reflecting his aspiration to equal the [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/). In 913, he was crowned *“Emperor and Autocrat of all Bulgarians and Romans”* by the Orthodox Patriarch outside [Constantinople](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantinople/), though this recognition was short-lived and fueled decades of [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) with the [Byzantine Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Empire/). Simeon’s reign was marked by almost constant conflict. Victories at Anchialos (917) and other battles made Bulgaria the dominant power in the Balkans, while its influence extended north into the Pannonian Plain after the collapse of the Avar Khaganate. This expansion, however, exposed Bulgaria to the migrations of the Pechenegs, Cumans, and Magyars, adding new external pressures. At the same time, Simeon’s court at Preslav became a vibrant center of Slavic Orthodox [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/), producing [literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/literature/), art, and [architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/architecture/) that symbolized the empire’s “Golden Age.” Though Simeon’s dream of seizing Constantinople remained unfulfilled, his reign left a legacy of political power and cultural flourishing unmatched in the First Bulgarian Empire. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2022, December 21). Map of the First Bulgarian Empire under Simeon the Great. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the First Bulgarian Empire under Simeon the Great." *World History Encyclopedia*, December 21, 2022. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the First Bulgarian Empire under Simeon the Great." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 Dec 2022, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 21 December 2022. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.