Second Bulgarian Empire

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The Second Bulgarian Empire (Template:Lang-bg, Vtoro Balgarsko Tsarstvo) was a medieval Bulgarian state that existed between 1185 and 1396. It emerged as a result of the Uprising of Asen and Peter against the Byzantine Empire and was eventually conquered by the Ottoman Empire.

History[edit | edit source]

Foundation[edit | edit source]

The Second Bulgarian Empire was founded in 1185 following the successful Uprising of Asen and Peter led by the brothers Ivan Asen I and Peter IV. The rebellion was sparked by heavy taxation imposed by the Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelos.

Expansion and Golden Age[edit | edit source]

Under the rule of Kaloyan (1197–1207) and Ivan Asen II (1218–1241), the empire expanded significantly. Kaloyan achieved a notable victory against the Latin Empire at the Battle of Adrianople in 1205. Ivan Asen II's reign is often considered the Golden Age of the Second Bulgarian Empire, marked by territorial expansion, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements.

Decline[edit | edit source]

The decline of the empire began in the late 13th century due to internal strife, invasions by the Golden Horde, and the rise of the Serbian Empire. The final blow came with the Ottoman invasions in the late 14th century. The empire was eventually conquered in 1396, marking the end of Bulgarian independence until the late 19th century.

Culture[edit | edit source]

The Second Bulgarian Empire was a center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Old Bulgarian culture. The capital, Tarnovo, became a major cultural and religious center, often referred to as the "Third Rome."

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of the Second Bulgarian Empire was based on agriculture, trade, and crafts. The empire controlled important trade routes connecting Europe and Asia, which contributed to its economic prosperity.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The Second Bulgarian Empire left a lasting legacy in the history of Bulgaria and the Balkans. It played a crucial role in the preservation and development of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Old Bulgarian culture.