Varég gárdisták Konstantinápolyban
Varangian Guardsmans in Constantinople

Summary/Abstract: Scandinavian warrior groups labelled as Varangians active in European Russia during the 9–12th centuries were found in different courts of the „East” as sworn bodyguards. The most distinguished place of their service was definitely Constantinople, where possibly from the 10th century, they were responsible for the personal defense of the basileus himself. Examining the history of the notorious Byzantine military formation known as the Varangian Guard, suggests that Varangians had a variety of duties in Byzantium and not acted solely as bodyguards. Th e second aim of this paper is to demonstrate Constantinople’s cultural influence on the Varangians and to illuminate the Byzantine capital’s prominent position in the world of Scandinavian mercenaries. In the case of the Varangians, namely a special identity can be touched upon, which combined traditional Viking mentalities with a Byzantine lifestyle.

• Details
• Contents