Human habitation in Bulgaria dates from Middle Paleolithic Period. Thracian tribes inhabited region during Bronze Age. Bulgars first mentioned in 5th century CE, organized by Khan Kubrat. First Bulgarian empire established in 681 under Asparukh
Crescent represents lunar phase in northern hemisphere's first quarter. Derived from Latin "crescere" meaning "to grow". Classical crescent has horns pointing upward. Used as astrological symbol for Moon and alchemical symbol for silver
Triumvirate is a political institution ruled by three individuals. Can be formal or informal, with power distribution varying. Term "troika" used in Soviet Union for "group of three"
Hungarian King Władysław III became king after his father's death in 1439. Ottoman sultan Murad II signed a ten-year truce with Hungary in 1444. A combined Christian army of 20,000 troops was formed under Hunyadi
Vlad III was born between 1428/31 and 1476/77, second son of Vlad Dracul. His father became Wallachia ruler in 1436, Vlad and brother Radu were Ottoman hostages. Vlad's father and brother were murdered by John Hunyadi in 1447
Mehmed II (Fatih) conquered Constantinople at age 21 and established religious freedoms. Murad II transformed empire's economy through trade and infrastructure projects. Selim I expanded empire to 3.4 million km² and earned title of Caliph. Bayezid II consolidated authority and increased Ottoman navy