The Bulgarian lands have been populated ever since Ancient Times. The first recognized tribes have been the ancestors of the Thracians. They have ruled the area from the Carpathian Mountains on the north to the present-day Middle Greece and Peloponnesus with the northern islands in the Aegean Sea on the south; from the Black Sea on the east to the Morava and Vadar Rivers on the west. They become known under the name of Thracians in XIII c. B.C. until when they have populated Mala Asia forming states there as well. Seven centuries later the ancient Greek historian Herodotus writes about them that they "are the most populous tribe after the Hindus". He also mentions that if they have been ruled by a single king they could have conquered the world. The Thracians were divided into many tribes: Mizi, Tribali, Sigini, Odrysi, Asti, Usdicezi, Obulenzi, Terici, Trilatai, Serdi, Seleti, Korpiali, Migdoni, Edoni, Kikoni etc. This is not only a territorial division - each of the tribes is famous for its qualities. The Getae are more belligerent, the Besi are more mystical, the Odrysi are more artistic, the Mizi are more diplomatic. Thus is born not only a rich cultural heritage but the unique characteristics of the spiritual culture of every region, which is preserved in the folklore, costumes and ritual calendar traditions.