Council of Preslav facts for kids

The People's Council of Preslav (Bulgarian: Преславски народен събор) was a very important meeting in 893. It was a key moment for the First Bulgarian Empire and helped make Christianity the main religion under Prince Boris I.

Why the Council Happened

In 889, Prince Boris I decided to leave his throne and become a monk. His oldest son, Vladimir-Rasate, became the new ruler. However, Vladimir tried to bring back the old religion, Tengrism, which was practiced before Christianity.

Boris I found out about this. He left his monastery and removed Vladimir from power in 893. To make these big changes official, Boris I called a special meeting called the People's Council. This meeting took place in Preslav.

Who Attended the Council

The issues discussed were very important for the entire country. So, leaders from all over Bulgaria attended. This included high-ranking nobles, lower nobles, church leaders, and representatives from every region. Their approval was needed for the changes.

What We Know from History

There are no direct records of the Council from that time. However, a monk named Regino of Prüm wrote about the events. He described how Prince Boris I, after becoming a monk, had to return. His son Vladimir was not ruling well and was trying to bring back pagan customs.

Regino of Prüm wrote that Boris I, filled with anger, took off his monk's clothes. He put on his royal clothes again and gathered people who supported Christianity. He quickly captured his son Vladimir. Vladimir was then imprisoned. After this, Boris I gathered everyone in his empire. He made his younger son, Simeon I, the new Prince. Boris I warned Simeon that he would face the same punishment if he turned away from true Christianity. After setting everything in order, Boris I returned to his monastery. He spent the rest of his life there as a monk.

Key Decisions Made

Historians believe that Boris I led the Council. Four major decisions were made during this important meeting:

• New Ruler for Bulgaria: Prince Vladimir-Rasate was removed from power. His brother, Simeon I, became the new Prince. Simeon was originally meant to be a high-ranking church leader. But he was released from his church vows to become ruler. The Council also changed the rules for who could become ruler next. Before, only the first-born son could take the throne. Now, a monarch's brother could also become ruler. This change was mentioned by John Exarch in his work Shestodnev.

• New Capital City: The capital of Bulgaria was moved from Pliska to Preslav. Boris I wanted a new capital far from Pliska. Pliska still had strong memories of the old pagan religion. In Preslav, Simeon would be surrounded by people loyal to Christianity. This move also showed Boris I's support for Slavic culture. Preslav was also home to the Panteleimon Monastery, where Boris I had retired. Moving the capital to Preslav was a symbolic act, showing a break with the pagan past.

• Bulgarian Church Leaders: All church leaders from the Byzantine Empire were asked to leave Bulgaria. They were replaced by Bulgarian church leaders. One of these new Bulgarian bishops was Clement of Ohrid. He was sent to Devol in the region of Kutmichevitsa.

• Official Language: The Old Bulgarian language replaced Greek in church services. This made Old Bulgarian the official language of Bulgaria. This decision was very important for Bulgaria and for all Slavic people.

Why the Council Was So Important

The decisions made at the Council of Preslav had a huge impact on Bulgarian history.

Cultural Growth

Making Old Bulgarian the official language helped the Preslav Literary School and Ohrid Literary School grow. These schools developed Bulgarian culture and literature. Bulgaria entered its Golden Age under the new ruler, Simeon I. The country became a major cultural and spiritual center for Slavic Europe.

Independence from Byzantium

Removing Byzantine church leaders and the Greek language from church services was also important. It helped Bulgaria stay independent from strong Byzantine influence. This was true for both Bulgaria's politics and its religious life.

Byzantine Reaction

The Byzantine Empire reacted quickly. In 894, Emperor Leo VI moved the market for Bulgarian merchants. It was moved from Constantinople to Salonica. This hurt Bulgaria's economy. This event led to the first trade war in Europe. Simeon I won this war after the important battle of Boulgarophygon.

Sources

• Николов, А., Факти и догадки за събора през 893 година. - В: България в световното културно наследство. Материали от Третата национална конференция по история, археология и културен туризъм "Пътуване към България" - Шумен, 17-19. 05. 2012 г. Съст. Т. Тодоров. Шумен, 2014, 229-237