Overview
Zachariah is the name given to the Khazar qaghan who received the Byzantine mission of Constantine the Philosopher, later Saint Cyril, in 861. The name and the account come from the saint's biography, the Life of Constantine.
Rise to Power
Nothing is recorded of how he came to power.
Rule and Achievements
- Received Constantine's embassy from the emperor Michael III and hosted a debate among Christian, Jewish and Muslim spokesmen
- According to the Life of Constantine, wrote to the emperor promising friendship and allowing any Khazar who wished to be baptised
Legacy
The Life was written by Constantine's followers to honour him, so its account of the debate and the letter is partisan. The Khazar court remained Jewish. Zachariah is the last Khazar qaghan known by name before Joseph's time.