Bulgarian history dates back to the establishment of the First Bulgarian Empire in 681 AD, when the Bulgarian tribes united under the leadership of Asparuh. The empire became a significant cultural and political force in the Balkans, adopting Christianity in 865 AD, which played a crucial role in shaping Bulgarian identity. The Second Bulgarian Empire emerged in the late 12th century, flourishing until the Ottoman conquest in the late 14th century. For nearly five centuries, Bulgaria was under Ottoman rule, gaining independence in 1908. The country has since experienced various political changes, including participation in both World Wars and the transition to democracy in the 1990s.