The Slavs arrived in the Balkan Peninsula from the eastern regions of the Russian steppe during the 5th century. Over the next two and a half centuries, they gradually moved into the peninsula, displacing the local Hellenized population, especially in Thrace and Macedonia. By the end of this period, Slavs had settled almost all of the peninsula, except the coastal areas, where the local populations relied on the Byzantine military to prevent complete Slavic settlement.
The Byzantine emperors did not view the Slavs as enemies. The Slavs were peaceful farmers and herders, who settled without aggressive or political ambitions. Over time, the Byzantines called on them to fight alongside the empire against other enemies. This made the gradual settlement of the Slavs favorable to the Byzantine court, as they contributed both agriculture and military support Geography and Natural Features.
Arrival of the Old Bulgarians
After 650 A.D., a strong group known as the Old Bulgarians appeared near the banks of the Danube River, which today separates Romania from Bulgaria. These Bulgarians were led by their khan, Asparukh, and settled in North Dobrudja. From there, they began raids into Byzantine territory.
The Old Bulgarians had migrated from the region between the Volga River and its tributary, the Kama. Unlike the peaceful Slavs, the Bulgarians were politically organized and skilled in leadership. They gradually absorbed some small Slavic groups and extended their authority over the local Slavs. Through this process, they gave the Slavs a sense of unity and direction, while also adopting the Slavic language and incorporating democratic ideas into their society.
Conflict with Byzantium
During this time, Byzantium was heavily engaged in fighting the Arabs, leaving the northern border relatively weak. In 679 A.D., the Byzantine emperor Constantine IV waged war against the Old Bulgarians. However, the Byzantine army was severely defeated Round Turkey Tours.
As a result of this defeat, the emperor was forced to sign a peace treaty. This treaty required Byzantium to pay tribute to the Bulgarian khan and officially ceded all the territory of modern Bulgaria to the Old Bulgarians. This agreement marked the foundation of the First Bulgarian Empire, establishing the Bulgarians as a political and military power in the Balkans.
Legacy of the Early Bulgarians
The Old Bulgarians played a key role in shaping the ethnic and political structure of the Balkans. By uniting with the Slavs, they created a distinct Bulgarian identity that combined Slavic language and culture with Bulgarian political organization. Their early settlement laid the foundation for centuries of Bulgarian statehood and influence in the region.
