Eastern Europe: Learn about Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Hungary

History of Bulgaria - The history of Bulgaria is rich and complex, tracing its roots from the earliest settlements in the region to its emergence as a modern nation-state. The story of the Bulgarian people is intertwined with their origins, showcasing a diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that have evolved over millennia.

History of Hungary - The history of ancient Hungary begins well before the arrival of the Hungarians themselves, tracing back to the Iron Age and the early cultural developments in the Carpathian Basin. Around 800 BC, the Iron Age began to shape this region, with the emergence of "Thraco-Cimmerian" artifact types that suggested a significant overlap between the pre-Scythian cultures (Novocherkassk culture) and the pre-Celtic Hallstatt culture. This cultural intermingling marked the beginning of a complex interplay between indigenous peoples and incoming groups.

History of Romania - The earliest evidence of human habitation in what is now Romania dates back to prehistoric times, but one of the first recorded mentions comes from the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. In his work Histories, Book IV, written around 440 BC, Herodotus described the Getae, a Thracian tribe residing in the region that would later become Romania. According to Herodotus, the Getae were defeated by Persian Emperor Darius the Great during his military campaign against the Scythians.

History of Ukraine - The early history of the territory now known as Ukraine is marked by a series of ancient cultures and civilizations that shaped the region's development before and during the Dark Ages. The area was initially inhabited by the Dacians, a group known for their connections to the wider Thracian culture, alongside various nomadic tribes such as the Cimmerians, Scythians, and Sarmatians.