Varangian Guard facts for kids
The Varangian Guard was a very important and skilled group of soldiers. They were part of the Byzantine Army for a long time, from the 900s to the 1300s. Their main job was to be the personal bodyguards for the Byzantine Emperors. Imagine being the Emperor's personal protectors!
At first, most members of the Varangian Guard were Vikings or Rus people. These were brave warriors from northern Europe. Later, after the Norman conquest of England, many Anglo-Saxons also joined the Guard. This happened because they left England and moved to the Byzantine Empire.
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How the Varangian Guard Started
In 874, a peace agreement was made between the Kievan Rus' and the Byzantine Empire. Because of this, Kiev started sending soldiers to help Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. By the early 900s, Rus' warriors were already serving in the Byzantine army.
A big moment came in the summer of 987. The Byzantine Emperor, Basil II, needed military help. He asked Vladimir the Great, who was the Grand Prince of Kiev, for soldiers. Vladimir sent 6,000 men. These soldiers arrived in the winter of 987. They were warriors who hadn't been paid and hoped to find good work and pay in Byzantium.
Varangians in Battle
During Emperor Basil's military trips, the Varangians showed they were excellent fighters. They were strong and brave. For example, when Basil went to fight in Georgia and Armenia, he took 6,000 Varangians with him.
During a break in fighting, called a truce, a Varangian soldier and a Georgian soldier had an argument. This quickly turned into a big fight, and many people on both sides were killed. The Varangian soldiers who survived this event then formed the special Varangian Guard.
Their Unique Look and Weapons
The Varangian Guard had a very distinct look. They wore uniforms that included blue tunics. Over these, they wore bright red cloaks.
Their most famous weapon was a long-handled battle-axe. These axes were often decorated with gold. This special axe became their trademark. If you saw these axemen on a battlefield, it meant the Emperor was close by. They were a fearsome and respected sight!
Images for kids
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Viking expeditions (blue line) showing their wide travels across Europe and beyond.
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Seal of Michael, a high-ranking interpreter for the Guard.
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Drawing of the Piraeus Lion, with runes telling of Swedish warriors, likely Varangians.
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Varangian Guardsmen, from an old book called the Skylitzis Chronicle.
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The Byzantine cross on a runestone in Sweden.
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One of the Viking carvings found in the Hagia Sophia building.
See also
In Spanish: Guardia varega para niños
