--- title: Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuil: 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-samuil/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2026-07-27 --- # Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuil: 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 Samuil: 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 The rise and reign of [Tsar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tsar/) Samuil 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), Samuil 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 Samuil to campaign into [Thessaly](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Thessaly/), southern [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/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 Samuil’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, July 27). Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuil: Campaigns against Byzantium and the Struggle for the Balkans. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuil: Campaigns against Byzantium and the Struggle for the Balkans." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 27, 2026. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Samuil: Campaigns against Byzantium and the Struggle for the Balkans." *World History Encyclopedia*, 27 Jul 2026, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 27 July 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.