Saturday, July 15, 2006

Bulgarian History Part 1

The first traces of human life in Bulgaria dates back to the paleothic period which is between 20,000 and 17,000 BC, there are a few artifacts left of this time like flint tools and cave drawings.

The Thracians

Bulgaria moved away from tribal goups and formed it's first real community under the Thracians in 2,000 - 1,000 BC. At this time the Thracian race, which was believed to be the second largest race in this period after the Indians, commanded a huge region stretching from present day Romania to northern Greece and Turkey called Thracia.

The Thracians are one of the founders of the ancient European civilization as they flourished for 2,000 years by producing food, raw materials and other goods in abundance which they used for local needs and any surplus was sold through the southern trading routes they had estabilished in Turkey and further afield.

The Romans

The Thracians remained in the region until about 100AD when the Romans conquest for Thracia was accomplished. Under the Roman empire Thracia was split into two large regions called Moesia and Thrace. Like elsewhere in Europe the Romans started constructing towns and well designed roads which are still part of the European cities and roads of today.

Life was good for the Romans for many years until Barbarian invasions started wearing the Roman legions down, the barbarians destructive efforts caused the power of Rome to dwindle.

The Bulgars

The Bulgars, led by Khan Asparuh migrated to the region that was Thracia in the 7th century AD. There is many debates over the exact origins of the Bulgars, even to this day, although some believe they originated from what is now present day Afghanistan. The Bulgars, under Khan Asparuh formed the first Bulgarian state about 681AD. The new Bulgarian state flourished to become a significant European power in the 9th and 10th Centuries.

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