Peter I Петър І | |
---|---|
Tsar of Bulgaria | |
Reign | 927–969 |
Predecessor | Simeon I |
Successor | Boris II |
Died | 30 January 970 |
Spouse | Irene Lekapene |
Issue | Boris II Roman |
House | Krum's dynasty |
Father | Simeon I |
Mother | George Sursuvul' sister |
Peter I (Church Slavonic: Петръ А҃; Bulgarian: Петър I; died 30 January 970) was emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from 27 May 927 to 969. Facing Bogomilism and rebellions by his brothers and also by Časlav Klonimirović early on in his reign, Peter secured more success later in life; he ensured the retreat of the invading Rus by inciting Bulgaria's allies, the Pechenegs, to attack Kiev itself. Traditionally seen as a weak ruler who lost land and prestige, recent scholarship challenges this view, emphasizing the empire's affluence and internal peace. Considered a good ruler during the Middle Ages, his name was adopted by later leaders trying to restore Bulgarian independence under Byzantine rule to emphasize legitimacy and continuity.