Khazaria vs. Ostrogoth

Attribute	Khazaria	Ostrogoth
Location	Between the Black and Caspian Seas	Eastern Europe
Religion	Judaism	Arian Christianity
Rulers	Khagans	Kings
Capital	Itil	Ravenna
End of existence	Destroyed by Kievan Rus in the 10th century	Conquered by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century

History

Khazaria was a semi-nomadic Turkic state that existed in the late 6th to the 10th centuries in the Eastern Europe, between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. The Khazars were known for their strategic location along the Silk Road and their diverse population, which included Jews, Christians, Muslims, and pagans. They were also known for their military prowess and their ability to resist invasions from neighboring empires.

The Ostrogoths, on the other hand, were a Germanic tribe that played a significant role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire. They established a kingdom in Italy in the 5th century under the leadership of Theodoric the Great. The Ostrogoths were known for their Arian Christian beliefs and their contributions to the development of Gothic art and architecture in Italy.

Religion

Khazaria was a unique case in the medieval world as it was one of the few states to adopt Judaism as its official religion. The Khazars converted to Judaism in the 8th century, and this decision had a lasting impact on their culture and identity. The Khazars' conversion to Judaism also allowed them to maintain diplomatic relations with both Christian and Muslim states.

The Ostrogoths, on the other hand, were Arian Christians, a branch of Christianity that was considered heretical by the Roman Catholic Church. Theodoric the Great, the Ostrogothic king, was a staunch supporter of Arianism and promoted religious tolerance within his kingdom. The Ostrogoths' religious beliefs set them apart from the Roman Catholic population of Italy.

Government

Khazaria was a decentralized state with a tribal confederation system of government. The Khagan, or supreme ruler, was elected by the nobility and had limited powers. The Khagan was assisted by a council of nobles and tribal leaders who helped make decisions on matters of state. The Khazars also had a system of laws known as the Yasa, which governed their society.

The Ostrogoths, on the other hand, established a monarchy in Italy under Theodoric the Great. Theodoric ruled as a king and was known for his efforts to integrate Roman and Gothic cultures within his kingdom. The Ostrogothic monarchy was centralized and had a strong military presence to maintain control over the Italian peninsula.

Economy

Khazaria was a major trading hub along the Silk Road, which allowed them to engage in commerce with various civilizations in the region. The Khazars traded goods such as furs, slaves, and luxury items with the Byzantine Empire, the Arab Caliphates, and other neighboring states. The Khazars also minted their own coins and had a thriving economy based on trade.

The Ostrogoths, on the other hand, relied heavily on agriculture for their economy. They cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, and grapes in Italy, which allowed them to sustain their population and support their military campaigns. The Ostrogoths also engaged in trade with the Byzantine Empire and other Mediterranean powers to supplement their agricultural production.

Legacy

Khazaria left a lasting legacy in Eastern Europe through their cultural and religious influence. The Khazars' conversion to Judaism had a profound impact on the Jewish communities in the region, and their military achievements were remembered in historical accounts. The Khazars' disappearance in the 10th century left a void in the region that was later filled by other Turkic and Slavic peoples.

The Ostrogoths' legacy in Italy is evident in the Gothic art and architecture that they introduced to the region. Theodoric the Great's efforts to integrate Roman and Gothic cultures laid the foundation for the development of medieval Italy. The Ostrogoths' kingdom eventually fell to the Byzantine Empire, but their contributions to Italian culture and society endured.