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Vikings in the Service of Emperors

The Varangian Guard were Viking warriors from Norway and Sweden who swore loyalty to the emperors of Byzantium. Armed with their massive two-handed axes, they became the most feared and trusted bodyguards in medieval Europe.

Origins in Scandinavia

The word Varangian comes from Old Norse væringi, meaning a sworn companion. These warriors traveled through the rivers of Russia to Constantinople. By the reign of Emperor Basil II, Norwegians and Swedes had become the backbone of his personal guard.

Did you know? Runestones in Sweden record men who “went in the east” to serve the emperors — proof of how famous this service was across Scandinavia.

Life and Duties

Weapons and Armor

The Varangians were known for their Danish axe — a two-handed weapon capable of smashing through shields. They also used swords and spears, wore chainmail, and adopted Byzantine helmets and shields.

Harald Hardrada in Constantinople

One of Norway’s most famous kings, Harald Hardrada, served in the Varangian Guard before returning to claim the throne of Norway. His years in Constantinople gave him wealth, military experience, and a reputation that followed him to the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.

Campaigns Across the Empire

The Guard fought in wars against Bulgars, Arabs, and Normans. They marched in Sicily, defended Constantinople from sieges, and even joined campaigns in the Holy Land. Wherever the empire’s fate was at stake, the Varangians were there.

Anglo-Saxons Join the Guard

After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, many Anglo-Saxon warriors fled to Byzantium and joined the Guard. The unit remained a mix of Scandinavians and English for centuries, united by their oath of loyalty to the emperor.

Decline and Legacy

After the sack of Constantinople in 1204, the Guard lost much of its strength. By the 14th century it had faded from history, but its memory survived in Norse sagas, Byzantine chronicles, and Scandinavian runestones.

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the Varangian Guard?

They were Viking warriors, mainly from Norway and Sweden, who served as the Byzantine emperors’ elite bodyguards from the 10th to 14th century.

What weapon did they use?

Their symbol was the huge two-handed Danish axe, but they also carried swords, shields, and spears.

Which famous Norwegians served in the Guard?

The most famous is Harald Hardrada, who later became king of Norway and died in the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.

Did the Guard include only Vikings?

Originally yes, but after 1066 many Anglo-Saxons from England joined the ranks.

Runic Carvings Inside Hagia Sophia

One of the most tangible traces of the Varangians in Constantinople is found inside Hagia Sophia. Scratched into a marble balustrade is a short runic inscription widely read as the name Halfdan — almost certainly a Norse visitor or a member of the Varangian Guard. The carving is brief, but it ties Viking travelers directly to the imperial church where the Guard stood watch during great ceremonies.

Hagia Sophia exterior view
Runic graffiti is found inside the Hagia Sophia, often interpreted as the name “Halfdan” — a rare, direct Norse footprint in the heart of Byzantium.

Why the Hagia Sophia runes matter

  • Direct evidence: Norse presence inside the empire’s most sacred space.
  • Ceremonial role: The Guard stood duty in Hagia Sophia during coronations and major feast days.
  • Travel story: From Norwegian fjords to the world’s largest church of its age.

Pair this story with sites in Norway that connect to long-distance warriors and kings, such as Avaldsnes and the UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church, where Viking-age art traditions continued into the medieval period.

When did the Varangian Guard disappear?

They declined after the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and faded from records by the 14th century.