Asparuh

The khan who led the Proto-Bulgars across the Danube and founded the Bulgarian state.

Life

Son of Kubrat

Asparuh was the son of Kubrat, khan of "Old Great Bulgaria." After Kubrat's death, Great Bulgaria was crushed by the Khazars, and he led his people west to the area around the mouth of the Danube.

Crossed the Danube

In 680 CE he defeated a Byzantine army sent against him in the Danube Delta, then crossed the Danube and allied with the local Slavic tribes. In 681 CE Byzantium was forced to sign a treaty recognizing the new state and paying it tribute, and Bulgaria counts this year as the founding of the state.

Founding of the state

He was killed in battle against the Khazars c. 700 CE.

Legacy

The state founded by Asparuh is one of the oldest countries in Europe to survive to this day without changing its name.

Did you know? Bulgarians still regard 681 as the year their state was founded, and in 1981 they grandly celebrated the 1,300th anniversary of its founding.

Key dates

• 680Defeated the Byzantine army
• 681Founded the Bulgarian state
• 700Killed in battle (approx.)