Social_classes First_Bulgarian_Empire

the symbol ıyı associated dulo clan , first empire

according inscription dated reign of khan malamir (r. 831–836) there 3 classes in pagan bulgaria – boilas, bagains , bulgarians, i.e. common people. nobility known boila after 10th century word transformed bolyar, adopted in many countries in eastern europe. each boila clan had own totem , believed had been divinely established, hence staunch opposition christianity, seen threat privileges. many of clans had ancient origin traced time when bulgars inhabited steppes north , east of black sea. nominalia of bulgarian khans mentions monarchs of 3 clans ruled bulgaria until 766 – dulo, vokil , ugain. power of principal noble families crippled in aftermath of anti-christian rebellion of 866, when boris i executed 52 leading boilas along families.

the boila divided inner , outer boilas , among ranks holders of highest military , administrative posts selected. outer boilas resided outside capital, while inner ones member of court under direct influence of monarch. bagains second-ranking aristocratic class , divided numerous ranks. presence of 2 separate nobility classes further confirmed in responsa nicolai ad consulta bulgarorum (responses of pope nicholas questions of bulgarians), boris i wrote primates , mediocres seu minores. privileged group tarkhans, although surviving inscriptions impossible determine whether belonged boilas or bagains, or separate class. original bulgar titles , many of institutions pagan era preserved after christianisation of bulgaria until fall of first empire. beginning of 9th century marked process of incorporation of both slavs , byzantine greeks in ranks of bulgarian nobility , privileged classes, increased power of monarch had been curtailed leading bulgar aristocratic families. since time slavic titles became more prominent, such župan, , of them mingled forming titles župan tarkhan.

the peasants lived in rural communities known zadruga , had collective responsibility. majority of peasantry free under direct rule of central administration , legislation introduced following adoption of christianity regulated relations. number of dependent peasants bound nobility or ecclesiastical estates increased since 10th century.