DE ADMINISTRANDO IMPERIO

Byzantine Relations with Northern Peoples in the Tenth Century

TRANSLATED EXCERPTS

The DAI begins with eight chapters dedicated to the Pechenegs, and in chapter 5 Constantine observes:
 

To the Bulgarians the emperor of the Romans will appear more formidable, and can impose on them the need for tranquility, if he is at peace with the Pechenegs, because the said Pechenegs are neighbours to these Bulgarians also, and when they wish, either for private gain or to do a favour to the emperor of the Romans, they can easily march against Bulgaria, and with their preponderating multitude and their strength overwhelm and defeat them. And so the Bulgarians also continually struggle and strive to maintain peace and harmony with the Pechenegs. For from having frequently been crushingly defeated by them, they have learned by experience the value of being always at peace with them. (DAI: 52.3-13)

Constantine provides further details of the Magyars' socio-political organization in chapter 40 of the DAI, entitled 'of the clans of the Kabaroi and the Tourkoi'.
 

The first is the aforesaid clan of the Kabaroi [which consisted of three distinct clans, and] which split off from the Chazars; the second, of Nekis, the third, of Megeris [hence the name Magyar]; the fourth of Kourtougermatos; the fifth of Tarianos; the sixth, Genach; the seventh, Kari; the eighth, Kasi. Having thus combined with one another, the Kabaroi dwelt with the Tourkoi in the land of the Pechenegs. (DAI: 174.1-7).