Strategist-autocrator Tiberius in War with Avars 568–570

Abstract

Among Justinian the Great’s (527–565) successors, the personality and career of Byzantine warlord and politician Tiberius stand out. Despite the lack of statements about Tiberius’ early life, there were enough facts about the circumstances that led to his rise in the hierarchy of late Roman society. Emperor Justin II (565–578) trusted him personally, and he also participated in diplomatic negotiations with barbarians, where he represented Roman interests. Along with the weak health of Justin, these circumstances contributed to the following adoption of a future warlord by the Emperor’s Family. Relationship with Avar Khanate had already been in priority for Tiberius before he was elected Justin’s co-ruler in 576. Taking part in talks with nomads, Tiberius focused on the necessity of renewing alliances with the Avars and directing military power toward the tribes that posed a constant threat to the Empire. In perspective, Tiberius’ course of appeasement with the nomads brought an end to the war in 568–570. His actions provided the Empire with the possibility of strengthening political and military might in the Danube limes in the next few years and also politically neutralized the Avars through permanent military conflicts with their closest neighbors. In practice, the Nomad noble, being enriched with money from Constantinople, made peace with Romeis. The Avars increased their military strength by focusing their efforts on conquering Slavs. This circumstance in one way let the nomads to start their foreign policy pressure on Empire again. Political vicissitudes of the last quarter of the VI cent. were accompanied by the exchange of ambassadorial missions, the provision of gifts, as a means of influencing third parties to a specific political course in the early Middle Ages.