Bulgaria, located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. The region has been influenced by the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and the Ottoman Empire, and it has played a significant role in European politics and culture for centuries. From the establishment of the First Bulgarian Empire in the 7th century, through centuries of Ottoman rule, and its eventual independence in the late 19th century, Bulgaria has experienced pe...