Zolotoordynskoe Obozrenie (Jul 2014)

The Embassy of Zemarkh to the Residence of the Great Kaghan (fragmentary translation and commentary of the work of Menander Protector)

  • Olesia Zhdanovich

Journal volume & issue
no. 2
pp. 6 – 20

Abstract

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The present article contains the translation and commentary to a fragment from the text of early Byzantine historian Menander Protector of the 6th century who describes the first Byzantine embassy to the Turks in 568. This source is extremely important for the study of relations between civilizations in the early medieval period. When commenting the original source, the author sought to look through the eyes of the Romans on the relationship between European Byzantine and Asian steppe civilizations. The Turks drew attention to Byzantium in order to achieve with its help the diplomatic blockade of Persia and to derive from this maximum benefit. In 568, the Turkic khagan sent to Constantinople an embassy headed by the military leader Maniah. As a result of the negotiations, both sides agreed on joint military operations, which were to be undertaken, if necessary, against Persia and Avar tribes. But more important was the fact that the Turks obtained from Byzantium the right to control over Silk Road. In August 568, there occurred a reciprocal visit to the khanate. The Byzantine embassy was headed by Zemarh, commander of the eastern cities. The Romans’ journey to Altai was interesting and exciting since they knew nothing about the customs and lifestyle of the Turks before the travel. It was the completely unknown world to the Byzantines with an absolutely different mentality, way of life and mode of thinking. Zemarh’s diplomatic mission was described by Menander Protector who was a contemporary of Zemarh, historian and politician, and who knew the Byzantine court ceremonies and all diplomatic nuances. Obviously, the historian used in his work the protocols and reports of the embassy. Description of the Zemarh’s journey to the southern Altai, preserved in fragments of the Menander’s «History», provides us with a complete picture of how the Romans perceived the Turks.

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