Eric Halsey
Historian and author of State Builders from the Steppe, with degrees in history, political science, and nationalism studies; creator of the Bulgarian History Podcast and expert on the First Bulgarian Empire.
Best podcasts with Eric Halsey
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Nov 13, 2025 • 46min
Eric Halsey, "State Builders from the Steppe: A History of The First Bulgarian Empire" (This is RETHINK, 2025)
Eric Halsey, a historian and expert on the First Bulgarian Empire, explores the fascinating origins and achievements of this historical power. He discusses how the Proto-Bulgarians created an identity amid Balkan turmoil, highlighting the birth of the Cyrillic Alphabet and the crowning of the first Tsar. Halsey reveals the empire’s dramatic struggles, including the defeat of the first Arab invasion of Europe. He also delves into the reasons behind the empire’s collapse and its lasting legacy in modern Bulgaria.
Nov 13, 2025 • 46min
Eric Halsey, "State Builders from the Steppe: A History of The First Bulgarian Empire" (This is RETHINK, 2025)
Eric Halsey, a historian and author specializing in Bulgarian history, delves into the rich yet often overlooked narrative of the First Bulgarian Empire. He discusses how the Proto-Bulgarians built their identity and empire, from the invention of the Cyrillic Alphabet to their near conquests of the Roman Empire. Halsey explains the internal and external factors leading to the empire's collapse, including heresies and invasions. He also highlights the empire's legacy in modern Bulgaria and the challenges in interpreting its history through various political lenses.
