Asparuh of Bulgaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids AsparukhАспарух |
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| Khan of Bulgaria | |
Monument in Strelcha, Bulgaria
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| Reign | 681–701 |
| Predecessor | Kubrat |
| Successor | Tervel |
| Born | around 640 |
| Died | 701 Dnieper River |
| Issue | Tervel Ajjar |
| House | Dulo |
| Father | Kubrat |
Asparuh was an important ruler of the Bulgars people. He lived in the late 600s. Asparuh is famous for creating the First Bulgarian Empire in the year 681. He is sometimes also called Ispor.
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Asparuh's Early Life and Family
Asparuh was part of the Dulo clan. This was a very important family. He was a younger son of Kubrat. Kubrat was a powerful ruler who had created a large state. This state was called "Great Bulgaria". It was located in the steppes of what is now Ukraine.
Asparuh likely learned a lot about leading people from his father. After Kubrat died, his state broke apart. This happened because of attacks from the Khazars. Asparuh and his brothers then went their separate ways. They each led their people to find new, safer homes.
How the First Bulgarian Empire Began
Asparuh led a large group of Bulgars, perhaps 30,000 to 50,000 people. They traveled until they reached the Danube River. At this time, the Byzantine Empire's capital city, Constantinople, was under attack. It was being besieged by the Arabs.
While the Byzantines were busy, Asparuh and his people settled in the Danube Delta. This area is near the Black Sea. After the Arab attack on Constantinople ended, the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IV decided to fight the Bulgars.
In 680, the Emperor marched his army against the Bulgars and their allies, the Slavs. The Bulgars and Slavs found shelter in a strong camp. Emperor Constantine IV then had to leave his army. He needed medical help for his health problems.
When the Emperor left, his soldiers thought he had run away. This made them lose hope. Parts of the Byzantine army started to leave. The Bulgars and their allies saw this chance. They broke through the Byzantine lines. They defeated the Byzantine army at the Battle of Ongala in 680.
After this big victory, Asparuh quickly moved his people. They went from the Danube delta into the Balkans mountains. This was a key step in creating their new state.
Asparuh's Reign as Khan
Asparuh's victory meant that the Bulgars took control of a region called Moesia. They also formed an alliance with local Slavic groups. These groups were known as the Severi and the Seven Slavic tribes.
In 681, Asparuh began to raid into Byzantine Thrace. Emperor Constantine IV decided it was better to make peace. He signed a treaty with the Bulgars. As part of this treaty, the Byzantine Empire agreed to pay the Bulgars a yearly tribute.
These events are seen as the official start of the Bulgarian state. It was also the first time the Byzantine Empire recognized Bulgaria as a new country. Asparuh is also remembered for building important centers. These include the cities of Pliska and Drăstăr. He also built some border walls from the Danube to the Black Sea.
Asparuh died fighting the Khazars near the Danube River. Some historians believe his grave is near a place called Voznesenka in Ukraine. This area is close to the Dnieper River.
Today, a town called Isperikh in Bulgaria is named after him. Several villages also carry his name. There is even a peak on Livingston Island in Antarctica named Asparuh Peak in his honor.
See also
In Spanish: Asparukh para niños
