In written sources, evidence of the town of Kyustendil was first recorded in 135 when it was called "Pautalia".
Emperor Constantine the Great (306 – 337) stayed for a long time in Serdika and his saying of "Serdika is my Rome" has become famous.
In the period 1004 – 1018, under the rule of local feudal lord Krakra of Pernik, Pernik Fortress withstood two sieges and played an important role in Bulgaria's resistance against the Byzantine Empire.
In 1865, the village of Samundzhievo was declared a town and province centre under the name of Orhanie, today's Botevgrad.
On 3 April 1879, Sofia was pronounced as Bulgaria's capital.
The Battle of Slivnitsa in the period 17 – 19 November 1885 was the turning point of the Serbo-Bulgarian War. After the defeat, the enemy retreated and Bulgaria managed to defend the Unification.
In 1918, the town of Radomir became the centre of the Soldier's Uprising. Here, on 27 September 1918, Bulgaria was proclaimed a republic.
On 17 March 1943, Dimitar Peshev sent a sharp letter of protest to Prime Minister Bogdan Filov against the deportation of Bulgarian Jews, which gave impetus to the national resistance for their rescue. The house of Dimitar Peshev – the saviour of Bulgarian Jews in Kyustendil was restored and turned into a museum.
