How did the early Bulgars make a living in the first Bulgarian empire?

During the First Bulgarian Empire, the early Bulgars maintained a mixed economy that combined pastoralism and agriculture. While they engaged in these productive activities, a significant portion of their wealth was also acquired through warfare.12

Additionally, the Bulgars established a system where they kept their settlements distinct from those of the Slavs, from whom they collected tribute. As the empire developed, particularly by the reign of Simeon I, the economy became more sophisticated. The commercial quarter of the capital, Preslav, featured artisans who specialized in ceramics, stone, glass, wood, and metalwork, with their high-quality tile work becoming a sought-after export in the region.123