BULGARIAN HISTORY

Bulgaria was founded in the year 681 A.D. by proto-Bulgarians and Slavic people. Around this time the first fortressed cities appeared like Pliska, Preslav and Turnovgrad. With its 1400 years old history, the country has had its turmoil history with wars up rises and rebuilding. Against all this the Bulgarian nation has succeeded in preserving its own identity and culture and contrary to many western countries are still held up high here.

The word Balkan has its origin in two words which where later adjoined. The word "Bal" means big and the word "Kan" is the title from an early Bulgarian Conqueror, not to be misplaced with the word "Khan" from the old Mongolians. The exact translation therefore means "Big Conqueror".

In early times not too long time ago Bulgaria had almost twice the size of its current big. The last two big wars and the following land shifts has diminished the country's size in to more than half. Apart from the old proton-Bulgarians the country has also been occupied by Slavic people, East Goths and Macedonian people.

What most people do not know is that Bulgaria is the oldest country in modern day Europe. Like mentioned before the country was founded in 681 A.D. At that time there were only three countries in Europe, the West-Roman Empire with the capital Rome, the East-Roman Empire Byzantium with the capital Constantinople and in-between these major forces lay Bulgaria with the capital Pliska.

Along the shores of the Black Sea coast one can sometimes find the old remains of the old fortressed cities of which the style reminds without any doubt of ancient Greek buildings with Roman influences.

In the many museum one can gaze at the many historical  objects which were recovered with the many excavations too many things to mention here. One has to go and see. If you want to know why the Bulgarian people are proud of their history and their country a visit to the museum is a must. The people in the museum are more than willing to tell you all you want to know and much more.