Tsvetelin Stepanov. Evolution of Bulgarian Statehood from the 4th to the 9th Centuries (in Bulgarian).

The monograph "Evolution of Bulgarian Statehood from the 4th to the 9th Centuries" by Tsvetelin Stepanov explores the early history of Bulgaria, specifically the development of Bulgarian statehood during a period that is poorly documented but widely debated. Stepanov, a respected authority in Bulgarian medieval studies, delves into concepts such as "military democracy," "tribal union," and "early medieval statehood" to characterize the emergence and consolidation of Bulgaria within a world dominated by the Byzantium and Carolingian empires. The book consists of an introduction, three chapters, a conclusion, and a comprehensive index and bibliography, providing a theoretical framework, interpretations of evidence, and comparisons to other states of the time. The study concludes that early Bulgarian statehood was built on a unique synthesis of Roman and Steppe traditions, which endured until the end of the First Bulgarian Empire. This monograph is a significant contribution to the study of early medieval Bulgarian statehood and will be a valuable resource for future research in the field. [Extracted from the article]