First Bulgarian Empire

The First Bulgarian Empire was a medieval state in Southeastern Europe, existing from approximately 680–681 CE to 1018 CE. Founded after Bulgars led by Asparuh defeated the Byzantine army and secured recognition, it became a major power during the 9th and 10th centuries. The empire stretched from the Danube Bend to the Black Sea and from the Dnieper River to the Adriatic Sea, often competing with the Byzantine Empire. It adopted Christianity in 864 CE and saw its ruling Bulgars and other non-Slavic tribes gradually mix and adopt the Slavic language, forming the Bulgarian nation.