Second Bulgarian Empire

The Second Bulgarian Empire, also known as the Bulgarian Tsardom, was founded in 1185 under the leadership of Peter IV who rebelled against Eastern Roman rule.

Flag of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1325)

## The Second Bulgarian Empire

### Location

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### Succeded by

* The Ottoman Empire
* Kingdom of Hungary
* Kingdom of Serbia
* Kingdom of Wallachia
* Kingdom of Poland

# Reign of Ivan Asen I

Ivan Asen I ascended to the throne following the establishment of the Second Bulgarian Empire. He co-ruled with his brother Peter II.

His reign saw the consolidation of Bulgarian control over regions that had been under Roman influence.

Ivan actively engaged in diplomatic endeavors, establishing alliances with neighboring powers. This diplomatic approach contributed to the stability and growth of the empire during this period.

# Turbulent Period

The Second Bulgarian Empire faced internal turmoil, including power struggles among the nobility and factions vying for control. The empire experienced conflicts with the Eastern Roman Empire during this period. The Romans sought to regain control over territories that had been lost during the establishment of the Bulgarian Empire.

Kaloyan achieved notable military successes, including victories over the Eastern Roman Empire. One of the most significant events was the Battle of Adrianople in 1205, Kaloyan engaged in diplomatic relations with the Papacy, seeking recognition and legitimacy for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

# Rise of Hungary

Back in the 1000 CE, Stephen I became the first King of Hungary. His reign saw the Christianization of the "Hungarian" people, and he later became a saint in the Catholic Church.

During the reign of Arpad, Hungary expanded its borders incorporating regions such as Transylvania, Croatia, and parts of present-day Slovakia.

# Mongol Invasion

The Mongol invasion occurred in the year 1242, following the Battle of Mohi in Hungary. It was part of the broader Mongol invasion of Europe led by Batu Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan.

The Mongols entered Bulgaria after their successful campaigns in Central and Eastern Europe. The invasion aimed to expand Mongol dominion and extract tribute from the affected regions.

The Mongols engaged in widespread battles against Bulgarian armies, The battles caused extensive destruction. Bulgarian territories, including the capital Tarnovo, and many cities were put on fire.

The Mongols, advanced deep into Hungary, pillaging and devastating the countryside. The invasion caused widespread destruction, including the burning of settlements and the death of thousands. Hungary has a new King, King Bela IV who focused to rebuild and fortify the kingdom, including the construction of stone castles and towns as a defense against potential future invasions.

# Bulgarian-Roman Wars

The Mongol invasion of 1241-1242 had severe consequences for both Bulgaria and Hungary, leading to Bulgarian-Roman Wars

In 1277, a massive uprising erupted in the north-east, led by the swineherd Ivaylo. Ivaylo gained widespread support by defeating the Mongols twice and the regular army under Constantine Tikh. His popularity surged as he took matters into his own hands, personally killing the emperor.

Fearing a revolt in Byzantium, Roman Emperor Michael VIII sent an army led by a Bulgarian pretender, Ivan Asen III. The rebels, led by Ivaylo, reached Tarnovo first. After initial successes, Ivaylo faced challenges from both the Romans and Mongols, leading to his eventual defeat and death in 1280.

In 1300, Theodore Svetoslav, George I Terter's eldest son, took advantage of a civil war in the Golden Horde, overthrew Chaka, and presented his head to the Mongol khan Toqta. Theodore's actions ended Mongol interference in Bulgarian affairs and secured Southern Bessarabia.

The Eastern Roman Empire, interested in Bulgaria's instability, supported pretenders against Theodore but faced defeats. Between 1303 and 1304, Bulgaria launched successful campaigns, leading to a peace agreement in 1307, acknowledging Bulgarian gains.

After a period of peace, tensions rose in the early 1320s. Michael Shishman, the energetic despot of Vidin, was elected emperor in 1323. Michael turned on the Roman emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos, regaining lost lands. A peace treaty was signed in 1324, strengthened by Michael's marriage to Theodora Palaiologina. Despite initial successes, Michael faced defeat in the Battle of Velbazhd against Serbia in 1330, resulting in his death. His son, Ivan Stephen, briefly succeeded him.

# Fall

In 1332, Ivan Alexander, the son of Michael Shishman, defeated the Romans at the Battle of Rusokastro, reclaiming territories in northern Thrace.

This victory strengthened Bulgaria's position in the region, however in 1393, the Ottoman Empire forces, led by Bayezid I, laid siege to the capital, Tarnovo. The city, a symbol of Bulgarian power, faced immense pressure from the Ottoman military machine.

The Ottomans successfully breached the defenses, leading to the fall of Tarnovo in 1393. Following the fall of Tarnovo, the Ottomans continued their campaign. In 1396, they conquered Vidin, the last major stronghold of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

With the fall of Vidin, the Second Bulgarian Empire was officially ended by the Ottoman Empire in 1396. The Ottoman conquest signaled a major shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Balkans and the beginning of an era of Ottoman dominance in the region.