History of the Khazars: Rise and Fall of the Khazar Empire

History of the Khazars: Rise and Fall of the Khazar Empire The Khazars were a semi-nomadic Turkic people who built a powerful empire in Eastern Europe between the 7th and 10th centuries. Known for their strong military, trade networks, and unique culture, the Khazar Empire played a crucial role in the region's history. The Rise of the Khazar Empire The Khazars emerged in the early 7th century, living in the steppes north of the Caspian and Black Seas. They were known for their skilled horsemanship and warrior culture. Initially part of the Western Turkic Khaganate, the Khazars gained independence as the Khaganate weakened, establishing their own distinct identity and political structure. Expansion and Conquest Under strong leaders, the Khazars rapidly expanded their territory. By the mid-7th century, the Khazar Empire stretched from the Caucasus Mountains to the Volga River, controlling key trade routes and amassing great wealth and power. Their expansion was facilitated by str