History of Bulgaria. First Kingdom

The ancient history of Bulgaria is exceptionally rich. In this small country had managed to visit different ancient nationalities. Byzantines, Greeks, Thracians, Romans and other peoples have left their mark on this earth.

The history of Bulgaria began in the late 5th century AD. In the Bulgarian tribes included Utigurs, Kutrigurs, Urogs, Barsils, Balance Balders, Savirs and others. These peoples led a nomadic way of life in the territory from the Lower Danube to the North Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. Part of the Bulgarians (Kutrigurs and Onogurs) in the 630s formed an association. The history of Bulgaria began with the "Great Bulgaria", which fell 30 years after its foundation. It happened as a result of the invasion of the Khazars.

Part of the Bulgarian people, moving to the north, formed on this territory "Volga Bulgaria" (Bulgaria). Another part of the population (Proto-Bulgarians) migrated to the west. After settling on the lands of the future North-Eastern Bulgaria, they moved to the southern territories. There they settled in the Stara Planina region.

Over time, Proto-Bulgarians penetrated deeper into Thrace. In the 7th century the history of Bulgaria was marked by the founding of the state with its capital, the city of Pliska.

Over the next three centuries, the government of the state was engaged in repelling attacks by Byzantium. The Byzantine Empire tried to destroy its new neighbor, but it did not achieve success in this matter.

From the 8th to the 9th century the history of Bulgaria was marked by the annexation of the southern Balkan region to the Rhodope Mountains, the territories stretching south of the Stara Planina, the basins of the Morava and Timok rivers. And also the territory of the future North-Western Bulgaria. In addition, part of the West and all of Central Macedonia joined the state.

The unification of the lands continued even under Boris 1. At that time, cities such as Prilep and Ohril were joined. At the same time, the Bulgarian authorities spread to some territories of future Albanian lands. Territorial transformation of Boris 1 was fixed by his son - Simeon.

As a result of the victories won by the leader of an alien tribe of Turkic Bulgarians, Khan Asparukh, the first kingdom of Bulgaria was established. The history of the existence of the state is marked by the adoption in the year 864 of baptism by Boris 1. Thus, the kingdom entered the circle of Christian countries.

The reign of Boris 1 was held during the period of the most important events for the state. One of them is the invention of the Slavic alphabet by Cyril and Methodius in 863. Since that time, Bulgaria is considered the "cradle" of Slavic culture and writing.

The first Bulgarian state (kingdom) reached its apogee in territorial and political power from 893 to 927 during the reign of Simeon the Great. The ruler greatly expanded the country's lands. This happened after his victory over the Byzantines in 917 in the region of the river Aheloy. Thus, Simeon expanded the borders to Greece (the peninsula of Galipoli), then captured Macedonia. After this, the ruler took under the protection and control of his ally Serbia.

Between 927 and 969, Bulgaria experienced a decline. In power was Peter 1. Following the past wars, poverty came. The robbery from the side of sufficiently large feudal lords, the excessive burden of taxes led to resistance and discontent among the masses. The movement of Bogomils began, which was created and headed by priest Dovodkam.

In 968, the northeastern part of Bulgaria was occupied by the Kiev prince Svyatoslav. However, after a while he moved to the side of Boris 2, who came to the throne after Peter 1.

Byzantine army, ousting the Russians, occupied the Bulgarian territory. Boris 2 was captured. The former ruler remained a hostage to the Byzantines in Constantinople. The Emperor of Byzantium cut many areas of the Bulgarian state.

The western part of Bulgaria did not last more than half a century. The army of Basil 2 in 1014 defeated the troops of King Samuel.