Ancient History (Pre-681 CE)
The lands that constitute modern Bulgaria were originally part of ancient Thrace and Moesia. A sophisticated civilization that produced some of the world's oldest gold artifacts existed around 5000 BCE. The region later fell under the rule of the Ancient Macedonians and eventually became a province of the Roman Empire in 46 BCE. Around 500 CE, Slavic tribes settled permanently in the area.
Medieval Bulgarian Empires (681–1396 CE)
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First Bulgarian Empire
(681–1018): The Bulgarian state was founded in 681 CE when Bulgar tribes, led by Khan Asparuh, moved south of the Danube and conquered Byzantine territory, establishing a permanent capital at Pliska. This new state blended Bulgar and Slavic cultures, forming the basis of the modern Bulgarian nation. The empire adopted Orthodox Christianity in 865 and became a major cultural center of Slavic Europe, developing the Cyrillic alphabet. It reached its peak under Tsar Simeon I the Great, expanding across most of the Balkans. The empire eventually collapsed and was annexed by the Byzantine Empire in 1018 CE.
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Second Bulgarian Empire
(1185–1396): Bulgarian sovereignty was restored in 1185 CE after a successful uprising led by the brothers Asen and Peter. With its capital at Tarnovo, the
Second Empire
also experienced a "Golden Age" of culture, literature, and art, especially under Tsar Ivan Asen II, when the empire once again became the leading power in the Balkans. Internal conflicts, Mongol invasions, and the rising power of the Serbs led to its decline and fragmentation.
Ottoman Rule (1396–1878 CE)
By 1396, the entire Bulgarian territory was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, ending the medieval Bulgarian state. Bulgaria remained under Ottoman rule for nearly five centuries, a period often referred to as the "Turkish yoke". During this time, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church played a crucial role in preserving national culture and identity. A national revival movement in the 19th century fueled the desire for independence, culminating in the failed April Uprising of 1876, which triggered the Russo-Turkish War.
Modern Bulgaria (1878–Present)
- Independence: Following Russian military intervention, the Treaty of San Stefano in March 1878 proposed a large, autonomous Bulgarian state, but the subsequent Treaty of Berlin reduced its size. Full independence was proclaimed in 1908 by Prince Ferdinand, who assumed the title of Tsar.
- World Wars and Communism: Bulgaria allied with Germany in both World War I and World War II, suffering significant territorial losses and defeats in both. In 1944, the Soviet Red Army entered the country, installing a communist regime. The People's Republic of Bulgaria became a staunch Soviet ally, with the Communist Party ruling until 1990.
- Republic of Bulgaria: A peaceful transition to democracy began in late 1989. A new constitution was adopted in 1991, establishing Bulgaria as a parliamentary republic. Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007, solidifying its path toward Western integration.
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