Bulgarian state is by 500 years older than it is officially considered by science nowadays.
This was revealed Friday by Professor Georgi Bakalov, Deputy Rector of the Sofia University, in his lecture at a conference, organised by Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov.
The origin of the Bulgarian state dates back to the year of 165 and not as it is believed 681, and the true "father" of the Bulgarian statehood is Khan Avitohol, according to Bakalov.
Khan Asparuh, widely-known as the founder the Dunavian Bulgaria in 681, has only concluded peace treaty with Byzantium in this year. Bulgaria, however, had been existing for long time already with its traditions and self-identity, Bakalov said.
Bulgaria is the only country in the world, which has not changed its name since its foundation, Bakalov also said.