The Bulgarian-Byzantine Treaty of 704/705 – Diplomatic Aspects and Political Dimensions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60053/TER.2026.11.13-38Keywords:
: treaty, diplomacy, tribute, oath, Caesar, Tervel, JustinianAbstract
This study aims to shed more light on the diplomatic aspects and political dimensions of the treaty concluded by Khan Tervel and Emperor Justinian II in 704/705. The main focus is on issues such as the pagan oath-taking practice of the Bulgarians and the treaty clauses. In addition, the author gives in-depth attention to the topic of the origin, meaning and place of the title Caesar in the context of Byzantine political doctrine. An attempt is made to argue the untenability of the thesis put forward by some scholars that Tervel became the emperor's son-in-law. Attention is also drawn to the important question of whether he was a Christian. The study concludes with a brief summary of the implications of the treaty and its significance for the political and ideological development of the young Bulgarian state.
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