The Jews of Khazaria explores the history and culture of Khazaria--a large empire in eastern Europe (located in present-day Ukraine and Russia) in the early middle ages noted for its adoption of the Jewish religion. The third edition of this modern classic features new and updated material throughout, including new archaeological findings, new genetic and DNA evidence, and new information about the migration of the Khazars. Though little-known today, Khazaria was one of the largest-sized political formations of its time--an economic and cultural power connected to several important trade routes and known for its religious tolerance. After the royal family converted to Judaism in the 9th century, many nobles and common people did likewise. The Khazars were ruled by a succession of Jewish kings and adopted many hallmarks of Jewish civilization, including the Torah and Talmud, Hebrew script, and the observance of Jewish holidays. The setting of Michael Chabon's The Gentlemen of the Road and discussed in Emily Barton's The Book of Esther, Khazaria continues to fascinate. The third edition of The Jews of Khazaria tells the compelling true story of this kingdom past.