113 years ago today, July 17, 1912 (June 4, 1912 in the lunar calendar), Balkan countries fought in battle. Bodies of Bulgarian Soldiers On July 17, 1912, Romania invaded Bulgarian territory amid widespread rumors of brutal atrocities committed by the Bulgarian people against Serbs and Greeks. When news of Bulgaria's attack on Greece and Serbia was first published, Romania issued a statement to Bulgaria: if the aggression did not stop, Romania troops would join Serbia, Greece and Montenegro. Bulgaria did not respond to this, and Romania subsequently launched an offensive that almost brought the Bulgarian army to surrender completely. New York received news from King Constantine of Greece that Bulgaria had massacred thousands of innocent people since the first few days of the Balkan War. Massacres are said to have occurred in several cities and villages, the most serious one in Doxsato. Almost 150 of the 3500 residents there were reportedly killed. As the communiqué stated: "Wherever Bulgarians go, they see only blood, shame and destruction... This was an unimaginable and carefully planned atrocity." Bulgarian King Ferdinand called the reports of massacres and atrocities "notorious slander." Romania General Prince Ferdinand commented: The Balkans are Europe's powder cartridge