The proto-Bulgarians. Old Great Bulgaria

• When were the proto-Bulgarians first mentioned in historical records?


  In 354 AD
• Where did the proto-Bulgarians live before migrating?


  North of the Caucasus
• What was the result of the migration of the Huns towards Europe?


  The migration led to the movement of the proto-Bulgarians
• What is believed about the proto-Bulgarians during their time in Central Asia?


  They were part of the great empire of the Huns
• What is the oldest historical source regarding the proto-Bulgarians?


  "Namelist of the Bulgarian Khans"
• Who was the first ruler of the proto-Bulgarians?

  Avitohol
• What was Avitohol's relation to Attila?


  He was related to Attila, the ruler of the Huns
• What were the everyday life and religious beliefs of the proto-Bulgarians?


  • They were nomads.
  • Engaged in stockbreeding, mainly horses.
  • Practiced crafts like pottery, smithery, and leather processing.
  • Lived in yurts (movable houses made of leather).
  • Main social unit was the clan, led by a Khan.
  • Believed in one god, Tangra.
  • Sacred animals included dogs, horses, hares, and wolves.
  • Believed supernatural power was in the sword, horse tail, blood, and head.
  • Wore amulets for protection from diseases and evil spirits.
• What was the main social unit of the proto-Bulgarians?


  The clan
• What type of weaponry did the proto-Bulgarians use?


  Sword, bow, long spear, and vest
• What was the time period of the proto-Bulgarians' participation in the Hunnic tribal union?

  377-453 AD
• What happened after the dissolution of the Hunnic tribal union?


  The proto-Bulgarians established close contacts with Byzantium
• Where did the proto-Bulgarians inhabit until the end of the 5th century AD?


  Pannonia (nowadays Hungary)
• What significant action did the proto-Bulgarians take in the beginning of the 6th century AD?


  They started attacking Byzantine territories south of the Danube River
• In 540 AD, what did the proto-Bulgarians achieve in their attack?


  They captured 32 fortresses and took more than 120,000 captives
• Who led the proto-Bulgarians during their invasions in the mid-6th century?

  Khan Zabergan
• What were the two tribal groups of the proto-Bulgarians?

  The kutrigurs and the utigurs
• What happened to the proto-Bulgarians in the second half of the 6th century AD?


  They fell under the rule of the Avars
• What military-tribal union did the proto-Bulgarians join at the end of the 6th century AD?


  The Western Turks
• What led to the proto-Bulgarians becoming active in the Avar Khaganate in 631 AD?


  A mutual dispute for the throne with the Avars
• What happened to the proto-Bulgarians under Alced's rule?


  They sought refuge with Frankish king Dagobert
• Where did the proto-Bulgarians settle in Central Italy with Grimwald's consent?


  In Sepinum, Bovianum, and Isernia
• Who defeated the Turks and established Great Bulgaria in 632 AD?


  Khan Kubrat
• What were the geographical boundaries of Great Bulgaria established by Khan Kubrat?


  North of the Kuban River, the Sea of Azov, the Black Sea, and east of the Dnipro River
• What was the capital of Great Bulgaria?

  The city of Phanagoria
• What honorary title did Kubrat receive from Emperor Heraclius in 635 AD?


  The title of patrician
• What happened after the death of Kubrat?


  The Khazars dealt a heavy blow to Great Bulgaria
• What happened to the proto-Bulgarians under the leadership of Bayan after Kubrat's death?


  They submitted to the Khazars
• What did Kotrag, Kubrat's second son, establish?


  Volga Bulgaria in the 10th century AD
• Where did Asparukh lead another part of the proto-Bulgarians?


  Across the Dniester and Dnipro rivers to the Ougle region
• What did the major part of the proto-Bulgarians inhabiting Pannonia do under Kuber's leadership?


  They occupied the lands of Macedonia around the city of Bitola