---
title: Map of the Bulgarian Empire under  Samuil, 997 - 1014
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18033/map-of-the-bulgarian-empire-under--samuil-997---10/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-12-06
---

# Map of the Bulgarian Empire under  Samuil, 997 - 1014

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

## Image File

[![Map of the Bulgarian Empire under  Samuil, 997 - 1014](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18033.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18033.png)

## Image Caption

The reign of [Tsar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tsar/) Samuil of Bulgaria (reign 997–1014) represents the final and most intense phase of resistance mounted by the First Bulgarian [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) against [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) expansion. Emerging from a period of political fragmentation following the fall of Preslav (971), Samuil consolidated authority in the western regions of the empire, establishing his court at Ohrid and asserting continuity of the Bulgarian state. His rule unfolded against the backdrop of the long Byzantine–Bulgarian conflict, which escalated under Emperor [Basil II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Basil_II/) (first reign 976–(deposed 986); restored 987–1025), whose strategic objective was to reassert Byzantine control over the Balkans. Throughout this period, shifting alliances, contested borders, and asymmetric military capabilities shaped the geopolitical landscape of southeastern [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/).

In the early years of his reign and preceding co-rule, Samuil achieved notable successes. Bulgarian armies conducted campaigns against the Adriatic Slavic principalities, mounted operations into Croatia and Hungary, and launched incursions into Byzantine Macedonia and [Thessaly](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Thessaly/), temporarily stabilizing Bulgarian power in the western Balkans. However, the strategic balance shifted as Basil II strengthened imperial authority. The decisive turning point came with the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Kleidion (1014), where Samuil’s forces suffered catastrophic losses after a failed defensive stand in the Belasitsa mountains. Samuil died shortly afterward, and by 1018, the First Bulgarian Empire was fully incorporated into the [Byzantine Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_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. (2025, December 05). Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Samuil, 997 - 1014. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18033/map-of-the-bulgarian-empire-under--samuil-997---10/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Samuil, 997 - 1014." *World History Encyclopedia*, December 05, 2025. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18033/map-of-the-bulgarian-empire-under--samuil-997---10/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Samuil, 997 - 1014." *World History Encyclopedia*, 05 Dec 2025, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18033/map-of-the-bulgarian-empire-under--samuil-997---10/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 05 December 2025. 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.