Czar Samuel's Remains Returned to Bulgaria After 1,000 Years

The remains of medieval ruler Czar Samuel have been returned to Bulgaria over 1,000 years after his death. Samuel, who fought against the Byzantine Empire to expand his kingdom, died in 1014. His remains were discovered in a Greek border area in the 1960s. The coffin and remains were transported to Sofia on a military aircraft, accompanied by air force fighter jets. Thousands gathered in a public square to honor the arrival, marking the end of lengthy negotiations between Bulgaria and Greece that concluded this week. Bulgarian politicians, including Prime Minister Rumen Radev, paid tribute during the ceremony, which included the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. Radev emphasized the importance of unity in Europe, urging for peace rather than reopening historical conflicts. Attendees expressed their pride in welcoming Czar Samuel back to Bulgaria. The remains were taken to the Church of Saint Sofia, where church officials state Samuel was baptized. The handover is part of a broader agreement between the Greek and Bulgarian culture ministers, which includes Greece receiving 48 artifacts taken by Bulgarian troops during World War I. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed hope that the ceremony would support Greece's efforts to repatriate the Parthenon Marbles. Bulgaria is not the only country with claims on Samuel, as North Macedonia also recognizes him as a significant historical figure.