Zhdanovych O. The Byzantine Empire and the barbarians in the work of Menander Protector.

The thesis analyzes the relations between the Byzantine Empire and the nomadic barbaric formations of the middle of the 6th century based on embassy missions described by Byzantine author Menander Protector. We translated part of some fragments of this source into Ukrainian language for the first time in Ukrainian historiography. The book of Early Byzantine’s author Menander Protector is very important source for researching the relationship between Byzantine Empire and barbarians. However, this work preserved not whole, but only in fragments (excerpts) Menander wrote about last period of emperor Justinian I and the reign of Justine II and Tiberius I (558–582). Chronological terms of Menander’s excerpts include the period from 558 to 582. In order to his post in emperor guardian Menander had access to official documents. He used some texts from diplomatic missions of that time. That is why his evidences are very reliable and important. Menander has his own subjective opinion of barbarians. He describes them as rather strange, unclear and enemy. There is not straight definition against barbarians. Nevertheless, all text – is evidence of strong byzantine position of author. Menander described the trip of Byzantine Embassy to the Turkish Khanate in Altai. This description is very important for several main reasons: 1). It helps us to study about ancient Turks lives, organization of life in Khanate, customs, traditions and religious beliefs. 2). This description allows us to make an impression of the political relations of the Turks with the Byzantine Empire. 3). Menander describes in detail the way in which the embassy returned home, which makes it possible to identify the location of the Khanate. Information about mountains, rivers, seas and lakes, about cities and lands are extremely important for the development of historical geography. 4). This is the example of demonstration of Byzantine diplomacy towards nomadic barbarians.