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Explore Bulgaria’s diverse past—from ancient tribes and Byzantine wars to Ottoman rule and European resurgence. |
What is Bulgaria Known for in History?
Bulgaria is known for being one of the oldest European countries, having been founded in 681 AD. It's recognized for its First Bulgarian Empire, its contributions to Slavic literacy and Orthodox Christianity, and its survival under centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman rule. Today, Bulgaria is celebrated for its resilient identity, rich folklore, and unique blend of Eastern and Western influences.
Ancient Roots of Bulgaria
Early Settlements and Thracians
The history of Bulgaria begins long before it was called Bulgaria. Archaeological findings suggest human habitation in the region dating back to the Middle Paleolithic Period (100,000 – 40,000 BCE). By the Neolithic Era, farming communities flourished in the region.
During the Bronze Age, the lands of present-day Bulgaria were dominated by the Thracians, an ancient Indo-European people known for their artistry, religious beliefs, and warrior culture. Their legacy includes burial mounds, tombs, and treasures that remain iconic symbols of Bulgaria’s prehistoric heritage.
A Crossroads of Civilizations
Due to its geographic position, Bulgaria has always been a strategic crossroads between Europe and Asia. The Thracians were eventually influenced and invaded by powerful civilizations such as the Persians, Macedonians under Alexander the Great, and later the Romans.
The region became part of the Roman Empire, then the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, leading to increased urbanization, trade, and cultural exchange.
The Rise of the Bulgarian State
When Was Bulgaria Founded?
Bulgaria was officially founded in 681 AD, making it one of the oldest countries in Europe that has kept its name and borders since its establishment. This was the beginning of the First Bulgarian Empire, a result of the unification between the Proto-Bulgarians (nomadic tribes led by Khan Asparuh) and the Slavic tribes of the Balkans.
The First Bulgarian Empire (681–1018)
The First Bulgarian Empire was a powerful state that challenged the Byzantine Empire for regional dominance. Bulgaria adopted Orthodox Christianity in 864 AD under Boris I, making it a religious and cultural center in medieval Europe.
Cyril and Methodius, two Byzantine missionaries, developed the Glagolitic alphabet, which laid the foundation for the Cyrillic script—still used in Bulgarian today. Bulgaria became instrumental in spreading Slavic literacy and Orthodox Christianity across Eastern Europe.
At its height under Tsar Simeon I (893–927), Bulgaria’s territory extended from the Adriatic to the Black Sea and was a hub for literature, art, and science—often referred to as the Golden Age of Bulgarian culture.
Byzantine and Ottoman Rule
Byzantine Rule (1018–1185)
The First Empire fell to the Byzantines in 1018 after prolonged wars and internal conflicts. For nearly 170 years, Bulgaria was a Byzantine province, but the flame of independence never died.
Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396)
The Second Bulgarian Empire was re-established in 1185 after a successful revolt led by Asen and Peter, former noblemen from the region of Tarnovo. The new capital became Veliko Tarnovo, which flourished as a political, economic, and spiritual center.
Under Tsar Ivan Asen II (1218–1241), Bulgaria again reached a peak of power, briefly controlling much of the Balkans.
However, Mongol invasions, internal strife, and external pressures weakened the empire. By the end of the 14th century, Bulgaria faced a new conqueror: the Ottoman Turks.
Ottoman Rule and the Struggle for Liberation
Ottoman Rule (1396–1878)
Bulgaria was gradually conquered by the Ottoman Empire, with the final blow coming in 1396 at the Battle of Nicopolis. For nearly five centuries, Bulgaria was under Ottoman domination—a period marked by cultural suppression, religious persecution, and socio-economic hardships.
Despite the hardships, Bulgarian identity and Orthodox faith endured. Secret schools, monastic traditions, and folk traditions kept the national spirit alive.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw the rise of the Bulgarian National Revival, emphasizing education, literature, and a push for ecclesiastical independence from the Greek-dominated Orthodox Church.
Modern Bulgaria
The Treaty of Berlin and Independence
The turning point came in 1878, when Bulgaria was liberated during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878). The Treaty of San Stefano initially envisioned a large Bulgarian state, but it was revised by the Treaty of Berlin, creating the Principality of Bulgaria (a vassal state) and Eastern Rumelia (an autonomous region under Ottoman suzerainty).
In 1885, the two regions united in a bloodless coup, and in 1908, Bulgaria formally declared full independence from the Ottoman Empire under Prince Ferdinand, who then proclaimed himself Tsar.
Balkan Wars and World War I
In the early 20th century, Bulgaria played a central role in the Balkan Wars (1912–1913), seeking to expand its territory. However, disputes with former allies led to the Second Balkan War, in which Bulgaria lost territory and prestige.
During World War I, Bulgaria allied with Germany and Austria-Hungary, hoping to regain lost lands. The war ended in defeat, and Bulgaria suffered territorial losses under the Treaty of Neuilly (1919).
World War II and Communist Era
In World War II, Bulgaria initially stayed neutral but later aligned with the Axis Powers, though it resisted Nazi demands to deport Bulgarian Jews—a rare stance in Nazi-occupied Europe.
After the war, Soviet troops entered Bulgaria, and in 1946, the monarchy was abolished, leading to the establishment of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, a communist state under Soviet influence.
During the Cold War, the Bulgarian Communist Party, led by Todor Zhivkov, maintained strict control over political life, industry, and media. Though stable, the regime was marked by censorship, repression, and economic stagnation.
Transition to Democracy
The fall of communism in 1989 ushered in a new democratic era. Bulgaria transitioned to a market economy, held free elections, and drafted a new constitution in 1991.
In the 21st century, Bulgaria became a member of NATO (2004) and joined the European Union in 2007, marking its return to the European mainstream after decades of isolation.
Bulgarian History Timeline
Here is a simplified Bulgarian history timeline to highlight key milestones:
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100,000 BCE – Earliest human habitation
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2000–500 BCE – Thracian civilizations
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681 AD – Founding of the First Bulgarian Empire
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864 AD – Adoption of Christianity
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1018 – Bulgaria falls to Byzantines
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1185 – Second Bulgarian Empire established
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1396 – Ottoman conquest
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1878 – Liberation and creation of Principality of Bulgaria
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1908 – Full independence declared
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1946 – People's Republic of Bulgaria formed
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1989 – Communist regime ends
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2007 – Bulgaria joins the European Union
Interesting Facts About Bulgaria
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Is Bulgaria in Russia?No. Bulgaria is a sovereign country located in the Balkan Peninsula, Southeastern Europe. It was under Soviet influence during the Cold War but has never been a part of Russia.
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Where is Bulgaria currency used?Bulgaria’s currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Though an EU member, it has not adopted the euro yet.
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What was Bulgaria originally called?Before its official founding, the region was known by various names tied to Thracian tribes, and later as part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. It became known as Bulgaria after the Proto-Bulgars settled there.
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Why is Bulgaria the oldest country in Europe?Bulgaria is considered the oldest existing country in Europe to have kept its original name since its founding in 681 AD.
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What is the Bulgaria language?The official language is Bulgarian, a South Slavic language written in the Cyrillic alphabet.
Conclusion!
The history of Bulgaria is a journey through the ages of empires, wars, revolutions, and rebirths. From ancient Thracians and Byzantine emperors to Ottoman rule and European integration, Bulgaria’s legacy is both unique and reflective of the broader struggles of Eastern Europe.
Today, Bulgaria stands as a proud nation that continues to balance tradition with modernity, serving as a cultural bridge between East and West.
