The History of Byzantium Episode 334 - State Builders from the Steppe with Eric Halsey
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Dec 30, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, historian Eric Halsey, author of *State Builders from the Steppe*, delves into the fascinating world of the First Bulgarian Empire. He shares his personal journey to Bulgaria and highlights the scarcity of English histories on the subject. Listeners learn about key figures like King Tervel and the ambitious Simeon, as well as Bulgaria's unique endurance against other steppe peoples. Eric emphasizes the deep connections between Bulgaria and Byzantium, showcasing how identity and autonomy fueled Bulgarian resistance through the ages.
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Personal Path To Bulgarian History
- Eric Halsey moved to Bulgaria after a high-school interest sparked by a book and later built the Bulgarian History Podcast.
- He used the podcast as a research and writing foundation for his book during COVID downtime.
Kingmaker And Rival Dynamic
- Tervel established an early pattern of Bulgarians acting as Byzantine kingmakers and occasional allies against common enemies.
- This created a long-term dynamic of alternating alliance and violent rivalry with Byzantium.
From Steppe Horde To Territorial Power
- Krum expanded Bulgaria territorially and militarily, transforming it from a steppe confederation into a more settled medieval state.
- His victories, including annihilating Nikiforos's army, signaled Bulgaria's ability to defeat Byzantine field forces.
