Why when and how the capital of Bulgaria is called Sofia?

Answer 1

Sofia is an ancient European city that dates back as far as the 5th millennium BC. It was initially a Thracian settlement known as Serdika, which thrived under Roman rule.

The city was conquered by Khan Krum and became a part of the Bulgarian Empire in 809AD. It bore the name of Sredetz throughout the middle ages, until it was renamed to Sofia, after the church of Saint Sophia, in the 14th century.

The church itself can be found in the centre of the city, and is named after the Italian martyr Saint Sophia, who died in the 2nd century AD.

Bulgarians celebrate Saint Sophia, and her three daughters - Faith (Вяра), Hope (Надежда) and Love (Любов) - on the 17th of September.

In Christian theology, Sophia represents the wisdom of God.