You may have heard of the Vikings, but have you ever heard of the Varangian Guard? Pronounced “vr·an·jee·uhn,” this elite group of men was known for their loyalty and honor. Loosely translated as “men of the pledge,” the Varangian Guard quickly became recognized for their military skill and usefulness as they faithfully protected the Byzantine Empire.

Emperor Basil II, who reigned from 976 to 1025, was known for his successful military leadership. However, in 986, his army was completely wiped out by the Bulgarian army after an ambush led by Samuel of Bulgaria. Following this humiliating defeat, a rebellion broke out in the Byzantine Empire and almost cost Basil the throne. Rather than giving up, he thought of a comeback plan.

To restore his kingdom, Basil needed help, so he called on Vladimir I, the ruler of the first East Slavic state known as Kievan Rus’. These two men allied, and Vladimir sent a fleet of nearly 6,000 Rus’ warriors to join the Byzantine army. Many of these warriors were Norse travelers, or Vikings, who had journeyed east to find riches. These fighters would become known as the Varangian Guard.

Rugged in appearance and fearsome warriors, these Byzantine men were frightening to behold. Large in stature, they wore iron-clad armor shields on their arms and metal rounded helmets to defend them from injury. These Byzantine warriors also carried Norse-style shields and heavy, two-handed axes.

Impressed by their military performance and the fortune these foreign warriors could bring to the Byzantine Empire, Basil II appointed the Varangians as his bodyguards. They were paid well for their military skill and commitment to the Empire, and it is said that they retired as wealthy men.

Among the Varangian Guard were two especially notable men who contributed to the success of the Byzantine Empire. One of the celebrated recruits was Harald Sigurdsson, also known as Harald Hardrada. Harald was recognized for his outstanding performance in Sicily under the command of the Byzantine general George Maniakes in 1038. After serving as part of the Varangian Guard for a decade, Harald was crowned King Harald III of Norway. He is often called the last Viking king.

Another significant member of the Varangian Guard was the 11th-century figure Bolli Bollason. Tales of Bolli come from the Icelandic sagas. Like his fellow Varangians, Bollason was paid handsomely for his military performance and devotion to the Byzantine Empire. It’s been said that in his home of Iceland, he even earned the nickname “Bolli the Elegant” because of the fine clothing and weapons he received after serving in the Varangian Guard.

In 1066, many mercenaries traveled to Constantinople from Iceland, Norway, and other Nordic regions to seek better fortune and follow in the footsteps of famous Varangians Harald Hardrada and Bolli Bollason. Anglo-Saxon fighters from England also joined the guard, and by the 13th century, many of its members were English.

The Varangian Guard saw many successes, but they also saw some defeats. In 1081, the Byzantine emperor, Alexios I Komnenos, sent the guard to defend the city of Dyrrachium on the shore of the Adriatic Sea. During this battle, the emperor’s men were nearly wiped out by their opponents. Similarly, the Varangian Guard fled in 1204 when the knights of the Fourth Crusade attacked Constantinople.

By the mid-13th century, the members of the Varangian Guard stepped out of battle to become palace and prison guards. But despite their gradual decline, the Varangian’s influential military performance and dedication to the Byzantine Empire remain legendary.

A large stone from ancient Byzantine architecture can be found in the Basilica of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, today known as Istanbul, Türkiye. It is believed that a member of the Varangian Guard carved his name into one of the stones with Viking runes, or alphabet letters, during prayer. The inscription reads, “Halfdan carved these runes” or “Halfdan was here.” This historic stone remains preserved as a remembrance of the great impact the Varangian Guard had on Scandinavia.