Bulgaria Recent History and Politics

From Ancient Thrace to the Roman Empire

In ancient times, the area we now call Bulgaria was known as Thrace. This name was used during the time of Philip of Macedon, the famous military leader and father of Alexander the Great. Thrace was then inhabited by a wild and warlike people. Both Philip and Alexander eventually brought this region under their control and added it to their empire.

Later, during the early Christian era, Roman Emperor Vespasian conquered the region, turning it into a Roman province. It remained under Roman rule for several centuries.

The Arrival of the Bulgars

In the third century, waves of eastern tribes, often called barbarians, began moving through the Danube Valley. Among these groups were the Bulgars, a nomadic clan from Central Asia. They settled in the Balkan Mountains and eventually gave the country its modern name—Bulgaria Local Ephesus Tour Guides.

Over the following centuries, the Bulgars formed a strong and independent state. Their kingdom grew into the Bulgarian Empire, which reached its peak during the rule of Czar Simeon, who reigned from 893 to 927 A.D. However, by the eleventh century, Bulgaria fell under the control of the Byzantine Empire.

Russia’s Role in Bulgarian Affairs

Russia first became involved in Bulgarian history in 967 A.D. when a Russian fleet landed 10,000 soldiers at the mouth of the Danube River. These troops were led by Sviatoslav, a strong and fearless warrior. He lived a rough life—eating horse meat and sleeping on a bearskin.

Since that time, Russia has played an important role in Bulgarian politics. Because of their shared Slavic roots and common Orthodox Christian faith, Russia has long claimed the right to influence events in Bulgaria. Russia has also often supported Bulgarians in their struggles against Turkish (Ottoman) oppression.

European Politics and the Limits of Russian Power

Although Russia wants more control in the Balkan region, Austria and Germany do not allow Russia to take over the Balkan States or expand to the Mediterranean Sea. Still, no country has been able to stop Russia’s political influence in Bulgaria.

Why Bulgaria Still Relies on Russia

Today, Russia remains very influential in Bulgarian politics for several reasons. First, Bulgaria is not strong enough to completely resist Russian pressure. Second, the country sees Russia as its only powerful ally in times of crisis. The Bulgarian government knows that if problems arise, it is to Russia—the “Great White Bear”—that they must turn for help.