Kubrat

Kubrat (c. 605 – c. 665) was the ruler of the Onogur Bulgars, credited with uniting them into a powerful tribal confederation known as Old Great Bulgaria (also sometimes referred to as Patria Onoguria) in the first half of the 7th century.

Kubrat belonged to the Dulo clan, which later Bulgar sources identified as a ruling dynasty. Byzantine sources provide the most detailed information about his life. He spent his early years as a hostage at the Byzantine court, where he was baptized and became a Christian. He formed a close relationship with Emperor Heraclius, who possibly influenced his later unification of the Bulgar tribes.

Upon returning to his people, Kubrat successfully asserted his authority and united the various Bulgar tribes located north of the Black Sea. He skillfully navigated Byzantine politics and forged alliances that helped secure his dominion. He also successfully repelled Avar incursions, further consolidating his power.

After his death, Old Great Bulgaria fractured under pressure from the Khazars. Kubrat's sons divided the Bulgar tribes and migrated in different directions. Batbayan remained and submitted to the Khazars. Kotrag migrated north to the Volga River region and established Volga Bulgaria. Asparukh led his followers across the Danube River and founded the First Bulgarian Empire in the late 7th century. Another son, Kuber, settled in the region of modern-day North Macedonia. Alcek led his people to Italy.

Kubrat is considered a significant figure in Bulgarian history, remembered as the founder of a short-lived but powerful Bulgar state. His descendants played a key role in the establishment of several important states in Eastern and Southern Europe. His ring, discovered in 1912, is a valuable artifact providing evidence of his reign and status. It features a monogram in Greek letters that reads "Kubratou".