Overview
Batbayan, Kubrat's eldest son, inherited what remained of Old Great Bulgaria. Theophanes and Nikephoros, the only sources, record little more than that he stayed in his father's land and came under the Khazars. His dates are not known.
Rise to Power
He succeeded his father, by Nikephoros' account as the son who kept to Kubrat's instruction not to leave the homeland.
Rule and Achievements
- Remained on the steppe north of the Sea of Azov while his brothers Kotrag and Asparuh led their followers to the Volga and the Danube
- Paid tribute to the Khazars, who had broken his father's state
Legacy
His people stayed under Khazar rule. Some scholars identify him with Bezmer, the ruler the Nominalia places between Kurt and Asparuh, but this is not certain.