Bogomils

The Bogomils were a dualist religious sect that emerged in the 10th century in Bulgaria. They believed in two fundamental principles: a good God who created the spiritual world and an evil God, often identified with Satan, who created the material world. This dualistic worldview led them to reject many aspects of established Christianity, including the veneration of icons, the sacraments, and the hierarchy of the church.

Bogomil doctrine held that the material world was inherently corrupt and that salvation could be achieved through asceticism and strict adherence to their teachings. They viewed the Old Testament as the work of the evil creator and emphasized the New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus. Their practices often involved a communal lifestyle, vegetarianism, and abstention from alcohol.

The Bogomils faced persecution from both the Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Empire. Their beliefs were considered heretical, and they were often branded as devil-worshippers. Despite this, their influence spread across the Balkans and even into Western Europe, where similar dualist movements like the Cathars emerged. The Bogomils eventually faded as a distinct movement, largely absorbed or suppressed by dominant religious and political forces.