Vikings and the Byzantine Empire
Bearded Norsemen are often associated with Scandinavia...but did you know they played a critical role in the Byzantium in Eastern Europe.
Thriving for nearly 1,000 years, the Byzantine empire was a European powerhouse. Militarily, economically, and culturally, there are few who rivaled the prowess of the Byzantines.
A mighty empire with mighty leaders, it is no surprise Byzantium rulers demanded the best of their security detail. Known as the Varangian Guard, these men struck fear in the enemies of the Byzantine Emperors.
The Varangian Guard featured men who were loyal and fierce. They kept order in the city and were known by reputation as some of the world’s most fearsome warriors. So who were the men of the Varangian Guard and where did they come from?
A Progressive Special Force
Though an ancient civilization, the Varangian Guard was surprisingly modern in concept. What made them so modern? The Varangian Guard was an international mercenary group comprised of Danish, English, and Russian Vikings.
Varangian was the name used by people of Eastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean for Norsemen. And while Vikings often conjure up images of fierce warriors in Northern and Western Europe, they became an integral part of the Byzantine Empire.
The Formation of the Guard
Byzantine Emperor Basil I is believed to have spawned the creation of the Varangian Guard. Striking a treaty with Varangians in Kievan Rus’, Basil I began enjoying Varangian service in 874.
Shortly after their formation, the Varangians went to work. They supported naval expeditions against the Emirate of Crete, led expeditions in Italy, and fought against the Arabs in Syria.
Armed with a broad-blade Dane axe, the men of the Varangian guard were known to carry shields and were referred to by many as ‘axe-bearing barbarians.’ The guard was known for fighting very violently, utilizing hand to hand combat, and mounting daunting walls with ease.
When Basil II took over the Byzantine empire, he called on 6,000 more Varangians to defend his throne. At the time, Vladimir I of Kiev had usurped power in Kiev using these same Varangian warriors. The Kievan Rus were notorious fighters.
More Than Just Security Detail
Kievan Rus’ had recently been Christianized and in accordance with their military agreement with the Byzantines answered Basil II’s calls. Having received new Varangian warriors, Basil II led them in battle en route to defeating a rival at Chrysopolis. Like his father, Basil II deployed the Varangians into extensive service.
In addition to using the Varangian Guard for military support, Basil II also needed their ‘neutrality.’ With little trust for native Byzantine guards, Basil II sought trustworthy protection. Natives often featured shifting loyalties, which to an emperor could be the difference between life and death.
A policy was implemented that deliberately ensured that the closest bodyguards to the emperor would be the Varangian Guard. Removing political loyalties and relying on ‘foreign’ warriors, an emperor’s closest circle was their most trusted.
Even the Strong Fade Over Time
Byzantine Emperors would be protected by the Varangian Guard for nearly 500 years. They became a prominent part of the defense of Constantinople. However, as the Byzantine Empire began to crack and crumble, so too did the power of the Vangarian Guard. The 11th century witnessed their decline.
Despite this the legend and impacts of the Varangian Guard cannot be overstated. They were critical in sewing the stability of the Byzantine Empire in Eastern Europe - a region notorious for turmoil.
And service as a Varangian guard member positioned warriors for success. One of its members, Harald Sigurdsson III, became king of Norway. He was known as Harald Hardrade - the “hard-ruler.”
Today you can find raised stone memorials scattered across Scandinavia. They are known as runestones and many of them are commemorations for fallen Varangian warriors. On some, there are mentions of voyages to what is present day Eastern Europe. Voyages made by those who liked defended the emperors of the Byzantine.
History for the Hurried:
August 19, 1934: In Germany, 89.9 percent of German voters granted Chancellor Adolf Hitler additional powers, including the office of president.
August 21, 1959 - President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Hawaii to the Union as the 50th state, nearly 18 years after Pearl Harbor.