The History of Bulgaria: An Epic of Resilience

The Cradle of Europe: Older than the Pyramids

Everyone knows the pyramids and the mask of Tutankhamun, but there is a treasure that is much older. The discovery of the Varna Necropolis in 1972 proved that the world’s oldest processed gold lies here (ca. 4600–4200 BC). This is the foundation of the first true European civilization, long before the first pharaohs.

The Thracians and the Odrysian Kingdom

After prehistory, the legendary Thracians united into the Odrysian Kingdom (5th century BC), a state whose wealth rivaled that of the Greek city-states. Their fabulous gold treasures bear witness to unprecedented power in early antiquity. Later, this area became a crucial part of the Roman Empire.

A Medieval World Empire and the Cyrillic Alphabet

In the Middle Ages, Bulgaria was the absolute superpower of Southeast Europe. The Bulgarian-Byzantine wars spanned seven centuries; a titanic struggle that far surpassed the Hundred Years’ War between England and France.

• The First Bulgarian Empire (681–1018): Under Tsar Simeon the Great, Bulgaria was a military bloc comparable in size to France in Western Europe.
• Birth of the Cyrillic Script: During this period, Bulgaria gave the Slavic world its own script. Cyrillic, developed in the Bulgarian schools of Preslav and Ohrid by students of Cyril and Methodius, became the country’s greatest cultural export. It made Bulgaria the spiritual and intellectual center of the Slavic world.
• Byzantine Rule (1018–1185): After a bitter struggle lasting decades, Bulgaria eventually fell under the Byzantine yoke, but the Bulgarian spirit remained unbroken.

The Second Bulgarian Empire and the Ottoman Yoke

• The Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396): The brothers Asen and Peter restored independence, with Veliko Tarnovo as its magnificent capital. The country experienced a new cultural and political golden age.
• The Great Destruction: In 1396, Bulgaria fell under the Ottoman Empire. For nearly 500 years, its identity was suppressed and its medieval heritage—palaces, fortresses, and churches—was systematically razed to the ground to erase the memory of Bulgarian glory. Consequently, a vast portion of medieval architecture has, unfortunately, been lost forever.

The Resurrection and the “Prussia of the Balkans” (1880–1925)

Following the liberation on March 3, 1878, an unprecedented period of prosperity began. Bulgaria was dubbed the “Prussia of the Balkans” due to its superior army and rapid modernization. However, the Treaty of Berlin (1878) saw the country artificially kept small by European great powers. Political tensions reached a bloody breaking point in 1925 with the St. Nedelya Church assault, the deadliest terrorist attack in Bulgarian history. This marked the tragic end of the first major growth phase after liberation.

The Final Blow and the Dark 90s

After WWII came the final blow: the introduction of communism (1944–1989), which brought decades of isolation and economic stagnation under Soviet influence. The fall of the regime was followed by the difficult 1990s. This was a period of hyperinflation, political instability, and economic chaos, during which the population lost nearly all its savings.

Bulgaria & the Euro: Is the Fear Justified?

Since 2007, Bulgaria has been part of the fold again, but the transition to the Euro on January 1, 2026, caused significant nerves. “Everything will become more expensive” and “our money will be worth nothing” are common cries at Bulgarian coffee tables. However, prices nowadays are more decided by the ongoing Middle East issue than by the currency change itself. Looking at the data shows a different story: a country on the rise. Investments, construction, and consumption are booming. Economic growth is undeniable, even if—true to tradition—there is plenty of complaining in the process.

Key Economic Figures (2000 vs. 2026):

• Average Wage: From just €90 (2000) to more than €750 (2025/2026).
• Housing Market: Prices in Varna and Sofia now range between €1,600 and €2,400 per m².
• Unemployment: Dropped from approximately 19% (2000) to a record low of approximately 3.4% (2025).

Discover the history with VIP Tour Varna

Discover the hidden gems of Bulgaria! Join us and be surprised by the beauty and culture of this extraordinary country. Don’t just visit, experience. See our full excursion list.