Abstract
The article is devoted to the problem of the titulature of Bulgarian rulers, with particular emphasis on the status of Boris I and the question of whether he should be regarded as a prince or a king of Bulgaria. The purpose of the study is to analyze the evolution of titles used by Bulgarian rulers in their relations with Byzantium and to determine the political significance of these formulas. The author employs critical analysis of epigraphic, chronicle, and diplomatic sources, examining Proto-Bulgarian inscriptions, seals, conciliar acts, and Byzantine chancery documents. The study demonstrates that the earliest title granted to Bulgarian rulers by Byzantium was kyrios, followed by archon of the Bulgarians or archon of Bulgaria. Particular attention is devoted to the emergence of the title ho ek Theou archon during the reign of Omurtag and its connections with Byzantine imperial ideology and Turkic traditions of sacral kingship. The author argues that this title was never officially recognized by Byzantium and functioned primarily as a propagandistic formula, especially during periods of conflict with the empire. Analysis of sources relating to Boris I indicates that after his conversion to Christianity he continued to be designated as archon of Bulgaria both in Byzantine documents and in domestic inscriptions. The study concludes that the titulature of Bulgarian rulers reflected the complex political relationship with Byzantium and Bulgaria’s gradual efforts to achieve equality with the empire.
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