Bulgarians

The Bulgarians are an aggressive early rushing civilization built around powerful Militia-line infantry. Blacksmith upgrades affecting the infantry line are free, saving significant gold. Town Centers are built 50% faster. Unique tech Stirrups makes cavalry attack 33% faster — one of the most impactful bonuses in the game, enabling devastating cavalry raids. Bagains gives militia-line units +5 melee armor. Konniks are unique cavalry that transform into an unpurchasable unit on death, providing persistent combat value. Bulgarians excel in aggressive Feudal Age strategies and Man-at-Arms rushes that transition smoothly into a powerful Castle Age economy backed by free Blacksmith upgrades.