Byzantine Zemarchus Visits the Türk Khagan

569 CE · Orta Asya (Türk Sarayı) · political

The Byzantine envoy Zemarchus visited Istemi's court and conveyed detailed impressions of it, preserved in the account of Menander the Guardsman.

Istemi's court featured a great golden throne, a tented headquarters, Sogdian merchants, shamanic rituals and abundant horse sacrifices. On his return journey Zemarchus had to escape by roads on which the Sasanids were trying to capture him. His account is a vivid document of the Türk-Byzantine-Sasanid triangle.

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Frequently asked questions

What was Byzantine Zemarchus Visits the Türk Khagan?
The Byzantine envoy Zemarchus visited Istemi's court and conveyed detailed impressions of it, preserved in the account of Menander the Guardsman.
When did Byzantine Zemarchus Visits the Türk Khagan happen?
569 CE
Where did Byzantine Zemarchus Visits the Türk Khagan take place?
Orta Asya (Türk Sarayı)