Eric Halsey

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.

Eric Halsey, a historian and author living in Bulgaria since 2013, delves into the fascinating yet often overlooked story of the First Bulgarian Empire. He discusses how the Proto-Bulgarians established their identity and empire amidst chaos, their creation of the Cyrillic alphabet, and their defense against Arab invasions. Halsey explains the transition from nomadic to settled life, the empire's eventual fall due to internal strife and external pressures, and the lasting cultural legacies, including their impact on European history.

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.