Avar-Slavic Relations in Byzantine Sources

Abstract

The early medieval history of Europe, particularly the processes of Slavic ethnogenesis and state formation, remains one of the least explored pages of the past due to the scarcity of historical sources. This article analyzes Avar-Slavic relations, which played a pivotal role in shaping Slavic communities and the emergence of the first Slavic states, notably the "State of Samo." The interactions between the Slavs and the Avars were multifaceted, ranging from enmity to alliance, and significantly influenced the political map of contemporary Europe, including Byzantium and the Frankish Kingdom. The Avar Khaganate served as a catalyst for the widespread migration of Slavs, which transformed the ethnic and political landscape of the region.

The article primarily focuses on Byzantine written sources from the 5th to 8th centuries, which are the main source of information on Avar-Slavic relations, as neither the Avars nor the Slavs had their own written traditions during this period. These sources include chronicles, treatises, and hagiographies, such as the works of Priscus of Panium, John Malalas, Procopius of Caesarea, Menander Protector, John of Ephesus, Theophylact Simocatta, Theophanes the Confessor, and others. These texts, often preserved in fragments or compilations, contain information about wars, diplomatic negotiations, military alliances, and the daily life of the Avars and Slavs. However, most of these sources have not been translated into Ukrainian, and the use of Russian translations is limited due to contemporary circumstances, necessitating the search for higher-quality translations in European languages.

The article thoroughly examines the major collections of Byzantine texts that have survived, including the Codex Baroccianus, Fragmenta Historicorum Graecorum, Greek Patrology, Bibliotheca Teubneriana, Loeb Classical Library, and Dumbarton Oaks Medieval Library. These editions, produced between the 16th and 20th centuries, contain texts in Greek, Latin, and occasionally English, often accompanied by commentaries and subject indexes. The author draws attention to issues with translation quality, particularly in the Greek Patrology series, where errors and factual distortions occasionally arise due to rushed preparation. Meanwhile, modern technologies, such as source digitization and AI-based tools (Ithaca, Aeneas, DeepL Translate), offer new opportunities for translation and text analysis, despite limitations related to scanning quality or access costs.