Veliki Preslav

Veliki Preslav, once a pivotal city in medieval Southeastern Europe, served as the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire from 893 to 972 CE. Initially a Slavic settlement, it grew rapidly due to its strategic location near Pliska and became a significant military and cultural hub. Preslav was renowned for its architectural grandeur, including the Royal Palace and the Round Church, and was a center for Slavic literature and arts, home to the Preslav Literary School. The city saw its peak during the reign of Emperor Peter I before witnessing destruction by Kievan Rus' and Byzantine forces. Although it experienced a brief revival during the early Second Bulgarian Empire, Preslav eventually declined and was abandoned by the late 13th century.