--- title: Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuel: Campaigns against Byzantium and the Struggle for the Balkans author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18033/map-of-the-bulgarian-empire-under-tsar-samuel/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2026-10-03 --- # Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuel: Campaigns against Byzantium and the Struggle for the Balkans _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuel: Campaigns against Byzantium and the Struggle for the Balkans](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18033.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18033.png) ## Image Caption *On 3 October 2026, [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/) is handing over to Bulgaria the remains identified as those of [Tsar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tsar/) [Samuel](https://www.worldhistory.org/samuel/) (Samuil), ruler of Bulgaria from 997 to 1014. Discovered at the Basilica of St [Achilles](https://www.worldhistory.org/achilles/) on Lake Prespa, they will travel from [Thessaloniki](https://www.worldhistory.org/Thessalonica/) to Sofia, bringing to a close more than six decades of efforts for their return.* The rise and reign of Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria (effective rule c. 976–997; tsar 997–1014) marked the final sustained effort of the First Bulgarian [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) (681–1018) to preserve its independence against Eastern [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) expansion. Following the [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) of Preslav and eastern Bulgaria (971), Samuel and the Kometopouloi consolidated authority across the unconquered western territories, with Prespa and Ohrid emerging as royal and ecclesiastical centres. Their struggle unfolded alongside the consolidation of Emperor [Basil II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Basil_II/) (reign 976–1025), whose suppression of internal revolts enabled him to redirect imperial resources toward restoring Eastern Roman control over the Balkans. Bulgarian victories, including [Trajan](https://www.worldhistory.org/trajan/)'s Gate (986), enabled Samuel to campaign into [Thessaly](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Thessaly/), southern Greece and the Adriatic principalities, but many gains depended upon temporary occupation, fortress control and shifting regional loyalties. From c. 1000, Basil II pursued a systematic strategy of sieges, annual campaigns and the recovery of key corridors, gradually isolating Bulgaria's remaining centres. The Byzantine victory at Kleidion (29 July 1014) severely weakened Bulgarian resistance, although conquest was completed only under Samuel's successors in 1018. The conflict illustrates how geography, political legitimacy, military resources and control of strategic strongholds shaped medieval state power. #### 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. (2026, October 03). Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuel: Campaigns against Byzantium and the Struggle for the Balkans. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuel: Campaigns against Byzantium and the Struggle for the Balkans." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 03, 2026. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuel: Campaigns against Byzantium and the Struggle for the Balkans." *World History Encyclopedia*, 03 Oct 2026, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 03 October 2026. 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.