The Establishment of Bulgaria’s Vassalage to the Mongols: Timing and Context

The article analyzes the date and circumstances under which medieval Bulgaria became a vassal of the Mongols. The almost universally accepted view in historiography is that Bulgaria became a Mongol vassal in 1242 during their invasion of Europe. However, Plamen Pavlov suggests that around 1247 Bulgaria exposed itself to new Mongol pressure, which led to the establishment of vassal relations. In this article, using various Western and Oriental sources, we find that Bulgaria became a Mongol vassal in 1246 – 1247 in the peculiar historical circumstances that prevented resistance against the Mongols. Thus, Pavlov’s opinion is supported by new and hitherto unused testimonies from sources.