Danube Bulgarian Kagan Simeon and his era

Known as one of the "Great" leader in Bulgarian history, Kagan I. Simeon Veliki (893-927), played a critical role in building the Bulgarian state, also known as Danube Bulgarian Khaganate, into one of the most powerful empires of Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages. The era of Simeon is therefore, referred to as the "Golden Period in Bulgarian History". In the year 913 AD, Nikolaos Mystikos, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Byzantine Constantinople, crowned Simeon 'Emperor of the Bulgarian state' in the Balkan peninsula and praised the Kagan on his excellence as a military leader (893-927). As Emperor, Simeon pushed the borders of the Bulgarian state out to three seas, Black Sea, Adriatic and Aegean and changed the status of the Bulgarian state as one that was merely a vassal of the Byzantium empire to one that arguably controlled it. Not only was the Kagan a significant statesman and military leader but also one that was a scholar as he placed great importance on education. His influence lead to what is known as the Golden age of Bulgarian literature. Simeon, who provided several services to society and culture within the Bulgarian states was known as a humble, religious and modest individual. In the latter part of his life, Simeon pursued the idea of becoming the leader of all "Romans and Bulgarians", as he believed that politically his was more significant in status than those of the Byzantium empire. After the year 913, building this country became his main purpose as he ordered several raids to Byzantium lands and Constantinople. To some historians, the Kagan rightfully earned this title, whereas others have argued that it was earned through manipulation and deceit. This debate between historians has lasted nearly a Century and has therefore brought light to the importance of Simeon's place in history.