Tsar Samuil

Самуил (Known as "Samuil of Bulgaria")

Tsar of Bulgaria (997–1014), Cometopuli Commander, Defiant Defender of Western Bulgarian Empire

Born c. 944

Prespa Region, Historical Bulgaria

Passed Away 1014-10-06 Prilep, Historical Bulgaria

Lifespan 70 years old

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"My heart could not bear the sight of fifteen thousand sons of Bulgaria deprived of the light of the sun."

Archival Overview

Defiant medieval Tsar who led Bulgaria's 40-year defense against the Byzantine Empire from Ohrid and Prespa, dying of grief in 1014 upon seeing 14,000 of his soldiers blinded after the Battle of Kleidion.

Biographical Record

Samuil was the youngest of four sons of Count Nicholas (the Cometopuli). After eastern Bulgaria fell to Byzantine forces in 971, Samuil and his brothers established an impregnable center of resistance in Macedonia, establishing royal residences at Prespa and Ohrid. In 986, Samuil routed Emperor Basil II at the Battle of the Gates of Trajan.

Crowned Tsar in 997, Samuil fought unceasingly to preserve Bulgarian sovereignty. On July 29, 1014, Basil II ambushed the Bulgarian army at the Battle of Kleidion (Belasitsa), capturing 14,000 soldiers. Basil blinded 99 out of every 100 men, leaving the hundredth with one eye to lead them home. When the blinded legions reached Prilep, Tsar Samuil collapsed of a fatal heart attack.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Basilica of Saint Achillios (Relics discovered 1969)
Lake Prespa, Greece

                         GPS: 40.7800, 21.0800                    

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