The Khazar Stories of the De administrando imperio

Abstract

The study deals with the problem, that a great empire like Khazaria did not get a suitable treatment in the huge Byzantine compilation De administrando imperio (c. 950), attributed to Emperor Constantine Pophyrogennate. In the first part of DAI three short chapters (10–12) were dedicated to the Khazars, how it can be attacked by its neighbours (Uzes, Alans and Black Bulgars). In the so-called northern section of DAI (37–42) in the Pecheneg chapter (37) and mainly in the Hungarian and Kabar chapters (38–39) Khazaria plays a dominant role. We can state that the Hungarian chapter consists of two Khazar stories focusing
on the Khazar–Hungarian military and political connections. I analyse this story from Khazar aspects. Chapter 39 is dedicated to the Kabars (Kavars) seceding from Khazaria and joining the Hungarians. At last in chapter 42 we can read the story of the fortress Sarkel built by the Byzantines for the sake of the Khazar leaders, the Khagan and the Beg.