The original Bulgarian underdog story: one dude, a river, and an empire to annoy.
In 651, Khan Kubrat died and the Khazars accelerated their raids upon Great Bulgaria. His five sons split the Bulgarian tribe and each led his to find new land where they could live in peace. Khan Asparukh, the youngest son, went west and, after an arduous journey lasting for years, southward across the River Danube, into Moesia. In 680-81, in alliance with the Slavs, he inflicted stunning defeats on the Roman legions and forced the Byzantine Empire to recognize the formation of the new state of Bulgaria in the lands where it still exists today.
Production
Massive period sets built with 1980s Bulgarian state film money.
Costume
Fur, leather, and chainmail that absolutely reek of authenticity.
Director
Ludmil Staikov
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
BG
