Keywords
Bulgaria
Khazars
Justinian II
usurpations
Khan Tervel
How to Cite
Abstract
The article analyzes the role of the Bulgars and the Khazars in the struggles for power in Byzantium at the beginning of the eighth century, during a period of deep crisis in the empire characterized by frequent usurpations and political instability. The research problem concerns the significance of the support granted to pretenders to the throne by neighboring states and the political motives guiding Bulgarian and Khazar rulers. The aim of the study is to present the actions undertaken by Justinian II to regain power and to analyze the attitudes of Khan Tervel and the Khazar Khagan toward these events. The author employs a historical and source-based method, relying primarily on the chronicles of Theophanes and Nicephorus as well as Byzantine literature. The article demonstrates that the Khazars initially granted Justinian II refuge but were not interested in becoming involved in conflict with Byzantium and ultimately refused him meaningful political assistance. Khan Tervel of Bulgaria acted differently, deciding to support Justinian militarily in exchange for political and material promises. The author emphasizes that the decisions of both rulers resulted primarily from political calculation and an assessment of their own strategic interests. The results of the analysis indicate that the participation of the Bulgars and Khazars in Byzantine dynastic struggles reflected the growing importance of neighboring states in imperial politics and testified to the weakening authority of Byzantine power at the beginning of the eighth century.
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