Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE 601

With its warm climate and fertile soil,

Bulgaria has attracted settlers from

ancient times and remnants of former

civilizations can be found every-

where, from prehistoric burial

grounds to Ottoman mosques.

Among its natural attri butes, its sandy

beaches are captivating and the

moun tains provide scope for hiking

and skiing. The country’s proud folk

heritage con trasts with its recent

trans for mation into a modern

European nation, making Bulgaria a

vibrant and invigorating destination.

HISTORY

Archaeological discoveries have

shown that Neolithic people were liv-

ing in the region as early as 5500 BC.

By 1000 BC, South Eastern Europe

was falling under the Thracians,

who established tribal states across

Bulgaria, Romania and northern

Greece. By AD 50, how ever, the

Romans had taken control of

the region. The Roman Empire was

split in the 5th century and Bulgaria

became part of the eastern Byzantine

half. Migrating Slav tribes were

allowed to settle and live peacefully

throughout the region.

The Bulgars, a Turkic tribe from

Central Asia, crossed the Danube in

681 and soon fused with the Slavs

already living there, creating the

Bulgarian nation. Bulgarian power

reached its peak under Tsar

Simeon (r. 893–927), who extended

BULGARIA

B

ulgaria’s stunning scenery and Mediterranean climate have

made it one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.

Though famous for its Black Sea beaches and scintillating

ski resorts, it offers the visitor many further rewards through

the sheer diversity of its natural beauty spots, archaeological

sites and picture-postcard villages.

Beautiful 19th-century frescoes in Rila Monastery, south of Sofia

The colourful Rose Festival being celebrated in central Bulgaria