MCQ Detailed View

The foundation of Bulgaria is traditionally dated to 681 CE, marking it as one of the oldest states in Europe that still exists today. This event followed the migration of the Bulgars, a Turkic-speaking people from the Eurasian steppes, into the Balkan Peninsula.

The Bulgars, under the leadership of Khan Asparuh, crossed the Danube River in the late 7th century and settled in the region known as Moesia (present-day northern Bulgaria). At the time, the Byzantine Empire controlled much of the Balkans but was weakened by internal struggles and external threats.

Asparuh’s forces decisively defeated the Byzantines at the Battle of Ongal in 680 CE. The following year, in 681 CE, the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IV signed a peace treaty with Asparuh, effectively recognizing the independence of the First Bulgarian Empire. This treaty is considered the official birth of the Bulgarian state.

Bulgaria’s early history was marked by its strategic position between Europe and Asia, making it a cultural bridge as well as a military power. The First Bulgarian Empire expanded rapidly, incorporating Slavic tribes and developing a strong centralized government. Over the centuries, Bulgaria played a major role in regional politics, clashing with Byzantium and influencing the spread of Christianity, particularly after its official adoption in 864 CE under Boris I.

The legacy of Bulgaria’s founding in 681 CE is significant because it marks the start of a continuous national identity, despite centuries of conquest, Ottoman rule, and shifting borders. Today, Bulgarians celebrate this heritage as part of their cultural pride, and the event is a notable topic in General Knowledge and world history studies.