The Viking Mercenaries of the Byzantine Empire: The Varangian Guard

The Byzantine Empire was the last remnant of the Roman Empire. Centered around Constantinople, the Byzanine Empire controlled Greece, Turkey, and much of the Middle East for much of its existence. Constantly at war, the Empire depended upon reliable mercenaries to keep enemies at bay. The Byzantine mercenaries of the most renown were the Varangian Guard. These guardsmen were of Scandinavian origin, featuring Rus, Norman, Anglo-Saxon, Swedish and Norwegian soldiers. The Varangian Guard became one of the Byzantine Emperor's most loyal and dependable military companies.

Read more about the Varangian Guard here at warhistoyonline.com.