III/14
EARLY BULGAR 558 AD - 1018 AD
The Bulgars originated as a combination of Utigur and Kutrigur Hun remnants with Sabirs and Onogur. They became subject to the Avars in 558 but cast off Avar rule in 631 and formed the new united khanate of Great Bulgaria around the Sea of Azov. After defeat by the Khazars around 675, some fled up the river Volga and formed the “Volga Bulgar” state (see III/32). Most fled to the Danube basin where they founded an empire rivalling the Byzantines that lasted until 1018. Their greatest King was King Krum 807-814. Cavalry are depicted in one Byzantine manuscript with small round shields and lances and wearing trousers vertically striped in red, white and blue. Reference: Armies of the Dark Ages 1. Heath.