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Varangian Guard

Type Object Region Byzantine Empire Time 988–1101

The Varangian Guard was an elite bodyguard of Norse and Anglo-Saxon mercenaries formed by the Byzantine Empire from 988, serving the emperor directly…

Timeline

  1. 988Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireBasil II accepted about 6,000 troops sent as aid by Vladimir, Grand Prince of Kiev, reorganizing them into the Varangian Guard directly under the emperor, replacing the previously unreliable noble retainers and becoming the core armed force of the palace and capital.
  2. 1001–1020Within the Byzantine Empire · Byzantine EmpireThe guard grew in size; beyond palace guard duty it also took part in field battles on the eastern front against enemies such as the Seljuk Turks. Its ranks expanded from Rus' men to Scandinavian adventurers and Norman mercenaries, and its organization was incorporated into the empire's regular army system.
  3. 1021–1030Imperial Palace, Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireAfter Basil II's death, the Varangian Guard played a decisive role in palace coups such as the deposition of Romanos III in 1028 and the assistance in overthrowing Michael V in 1042; its loyalty shifted to the reigning emperor personally rather than to noble factions.

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