Aitos

Aitos and the municipality have a rich and long history dating back to antiquity. An old settlement founded by Thracian tribes, archeological finds near the town testify that Aitos' existence dates back to the 5th century BC. According to an ancient Thracian legend, Aetos – one of Orpheus’ students and followers, founded the town. Throughout the centuries, the town has been known under different names including Aetos, Astos, Idos, Akvilia, etc.

During the reign of Khan Tervel, the region was incorporated in the Bulgarian Empire for the first time. The fortress Aetos took an important part in the defensive system of the Bulgarian lands against the sudden attacks of the Tatars, the Avars and the Crusaders.

In 1378 the town was conquered by the armies of the Ottoman Empire under Murad I. During the Russian-Turkish War (1828-1829), General Dibich Zabalkanski turned the town into a strategic strong point. After the peace was signed in Odrin in 1829, many of the town's citizens fled to Bessarabia to join the Bessarabian Bulgarians.

During the Bulgarian National Revival, the population participated actively in the Bulgarian struggles for liberation. Vasil Levski organized a revolutionary committee in the town.

After the Liberation, Aitos became a vivid commercial centre, reputedly more important than Burgas. The first girls' agricultural school in the country was established in Aitos during the period.