---
title: Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Krum the Fearsome, 803-814
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16895/map-of-the-bulgarian-empire-under-krum-the-fearsom/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-08-13
---

# Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Krum the Fearsome, 803-814

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Krum the Fearsome, 803-814](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16895.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16895.png)

## Image Caption

This map illustrates the reign of Krum the Fearsome (Bulgarian: Крум Страшни), the ruler of Bulgaria from c. 800 to 814. Known for his formidable military campaigns, Krum doubled the size of medieval Bulgaria, extending its borders from the Dnieper to the Middle Danube and from the Tatra Mountains to Adrianople. After [Charlemagne](https://www.worldhistory.org/Charlemagne/)’s defeat of the Avar Khaganate in 803, the Bulgarians turned on the [Avars](https://www.worldhistory.org/Avars/) themselves, seizing their lands in 805 and pushing Bulgaria’s frontier to the borders of the Frankish [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/). 
 
In 811, Krum’s forces crushed an invading [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) army, killing Emperor Nicephorus I and opening the way for expansion southward into Thrace. The following years saw him besiege [Constantinople](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantinople/) (813), ravaging the surrounding countryside. Plans for a renewed assault in 814 were cut short when Krum died, reportedly of a cerebral hemorrhage, ending one of the most dynamic and expansionist reigns in Bulgaria’s early medieval history.

#### 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. (2023, January 23). Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Krum the Fearsome, 803-814. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16895/map-of-the-bulgarian-empire-under-krum-the-fearsom/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Krum the Fearsome, 803-814." *World History Encyclopedia*, January 23, 2023. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16895/map-of-the-bulgarian-empire-under-krum-the-fearsom/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Krum the Fearsome, 803-814." *World History Encyclopedia*, 23 Jan 2023, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16895/map-of-the-bulgarian-empire-under-krum-the-fearsom/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 23 January 2023. 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.