In the medieval history of Europe, Bulgaria's status as the Bulgarian Empire (Bulgarian: Българско царство, Balgarsko tsarstvo ), wherein it acted as a key regional power (particularly rivaling Byzantium in Southeastern Europe) occurred in two distinct periods: between the seventh and eleventh centuries, and again between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries.
Euroopa keskaegses ajaloos esines Bulgaaria staatus Bulgaaria tsaaririigina (bulgaaria: Българско царство), mis tegutses olulise piirkondliku võimuna (eriti Bütsantsi rivaalina Kagu-Euroopas), kahel erineval perioodil: 7. ja 11. sajandi vahel ning taas 12. ja 14. sajandi vahel.