The next figure, marking the beginning of present-day Bulgaria, is that of Kubrat’s son, Khan Asparuh (c. 640–701).

His wax figure captures the gesture he made after his victory over the numerous Byzantine army at Ongal in 680, in what is now Dobruja, near the Danube Delta. Mounted on his horse, Asparuh points to the land before him and declares: “Here shall be Bulgaria!”

And so it was. After forming a military alliance with the seven Slavic tribes inhabiting Moesia, Kubrat’s son continued his attacks on Byzantine territories south of the Balkan Mountains, forcing the Emperor to seek peace. Under the resulting treaty, the lands north of the mountains were recognised as belonging to the Bulgarians, while they agreed not to advance further south.

The year was 681 – the first year in Bulgaria’s millennia-long history. Asparuh ruled for 40 years and convinced all neighbouring peoples that the new state was a power to be reckoned with and respected.