Overview
Ziebel is the name the Byzantine chronicler Theophanes gives to the ruler of the 'Turks from the east, whom they call Khazars', who met Emperor Heraclius at Tbilisi in 627. He is often identified with Tong Yabghu Qaghan of the Western Türks or with his nephew Böri Shad, who led the army in the Caucasus.
Rise to Power
He ruled the western Türk forces north of the Caucasus when Heraclius sought allies against Persia.
Rule and Achievements
- Met Heraclius at the siege of Tbilisi in 627, where the emperor crowned him and promised him his daughter Eudocia
- Sent troops that stormed Derbent and raided Persian Caucasia
- Left the siege of Tbilisi before it ended
Legacy
Ziebel is thought to have died around 630, about the time of Tong Yabghu's murder. The alliance with Byzantium that began with him lasted for a century.