The Anti-Christian Revolt

In the spring of 866, Prince Boris I suppressed a revolt that followed the population's mass conversion to Christianity. It was organised by some of the boyars and involved people from every part of the country and various ethnic groups, including Bulgars and Slavs. They opposed adoption of the new religion, believing in their own gods. The revolt also opposed Boris I's conciliatory policy towards Byzantium.

The angry rebels marched towards the capital, Pliska, intending to kill the Bulgarian ruler.

Prince Boris I responded firmly. The uprising was ruthlessly suppressed. Fifty-two boyars and their families were executed on the pretext of charges of attempting to murder the prince, while the ordinary participants were released without charge. In this way, Boris intended to demonstrate peacefulness as a characteristic benefit of the new religion.