History of Bulgaria

Prehistoric and Ancient Bulgaria

• First hominid occupation in Bulgaria dates back 1.4 million years.
• By 5000 BC, a sophisticated civilization existed, producing early pottery, jewelry, and golden artifacts.
• The Thracians appeared after 3500 BC on the Balkan Peninsula.
• The Achaemenid Empire included parts of modern Bulgaria in the late 6th century BC.
• The Odrysian Kingdom (Thracian) formed in the 470s BC and was conquered by the Roman Empire in 46 BC.

Formation of the Bulgarian State

• The Bulgars formed Great Bulgaria in 632, north of the Black Sea, under Kubrat.
• Disintegration due to Khazar pressures led Asparuh to establish the First Bulgarian Empire post-680 after the Battle of Ongal.
• Bulgaria grew through military tradition, fostering a distinct ethnic identity.

First Bulgarian Empire (681-1018)

• Bulgaria became a significant power in the Balkans.
• It succumbed to Byzantine rule in 1018.

Second Bulgarian Empire (1185-1396)

• Established after a revolt against Byzantine rule, led by the Asen dynasty.
• Peaked under Ivan Asen II but declined due to internal conflicts and external pressures.
• Fell to Ottoman rule in 1396.

Ottoman Rule (1396-1878)

• Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman Empire for 482 years.
• The Bulgarian National Revival Movement emerged in the 18th century, culminating in the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878).

Liberation and Modern Bulgaria

• Treaty of Berlin in 1878 established Bulgaria as a principality.
• Faced territorial disputes, leading to involvement in Balkan Wars and WWI.

World War II and Communist Era

• Initially remained neutral but joined Axis in 1941, eventually resisted Nazis and saved its Jewish population.
• Became a People's Republic under Communist rule from 1946, enduring until 1991.

Transition to Democracy

• Post-1989 Bulgaria transitioned to democracy, joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.
• Economic and political challenges remain, with a significant emigration trend.