The Varangian Guard 988-1453

THE VARANGIAN GUARDS WERE VIKING MERCENARIES WHO OPERATED FAR BEYOND THEIR NATIVE SHORES AS AN ELITE FORCE WITHIN THE BYZANTINE ARMIES. DESCENDANTS FROM A LEGENDARY LINE OF WARRIORS, THE VARANGIAN GUARD WAS FORMED AFTER A GROUP OF VIKING MERCENARIES MADE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE BYZANTINE EMPEROR BASIL II`S VICTORY OVER REBEL FORCES IN 988 AD. THESE 5,000 MEN WERE THEN RETAINED AS BASIL`S PERSONAL GUARD AND WOULD PROVIDE LOYAL SERVICE TO MANY SUCCESSIVE OCCUPANTS OF THE IMPERIAL THRONE.