The Varangian Guard: Vikings and Slavs in Byzantine Service

This episode explores the Varangian Guard, the foreign mercenaries who served as the personal bodyguard of Byzantine emperors from the 10th to the 14th century. Lucas and Luna trace their origins from the Rus' warriors who raided Constantinople to the elite axe-wielding guardsmen who fought in Sicily, Syria, and the Balkans. They discuss key episodes like the massacre of Varangians under Basil II, the role of Harald Hardrada, and the decline after the Fourth Crusade. The conversation delves into the multicultural nature of the guard, which included Swedes, Norwegians, Danes, Icelanders, and later Anglo-Saxons after 1066. Lucas highlights the unique archaeological evidence: runestones in Sweden commemorating those who served in Miklagard (the Norse name for Constantinople). The episode also touches on the guard's ceremonial duties, their fearsome reputation, and their lasting legacy in both Byzantine and Norse sagas.

#VarangianGuard #ByzantineEmpire #Vikings #Miklagard #BasilII #HaraldHardrada #Rus #AngloSaxons #NorseSagas #Runestones #Constantinople #Bodyguard #BluesAndGreens #Mercenaries #ByzantineArmy #HagiaSophia #History #FexingoHistory

Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo