Battles of the Varangian Guard

 I can offer some general info on them, the Varangians as a people originated from Scandanavia but moved into Russia I think in the 8th or 9th century, where they participated in trading activities and as mercenaries, very similar activites to that of the vikings in general. Gradually moving southwards to the Black sea, where they came into contact with Byzantium.

 They appeared as mercenaries in the Byzantine army in the 9th century and were in regular sometimes hostile contact with Byzantium throughout the 10th century and continued to act as soldiers for the imperial army at the same time. Usually the founding of the Varangian guard is cited as being during the reign of Basil II 976-1025 when Basil recieved several thousand Varangians from the prince of Kiev to helpput down a rebel, in exchange for Basils sister in marriage and I believe the princes conversion to Christianity.

 However as I previously mentioned, Byzantiums contact with these fierce Varangians was much older, in any event Basil formed these men into his own imperial bodyguard. The reason for this was, unlike most guards in Roman/Byzantine history the Varangians were incredibly loyal to the Emperor, they would often fight to the death for their Emperor often regardless of how effective the current Emperor was. Also upon an Emperors death they would immediately transmit their loyalty to his successor, again regardless of how he came to the throne.

 In battle I can't offer much detailed information, though I do recall they fought under the future Nowegian king Harold Hadrada (Acolyte of the Varangians, the title of the guards commander) in Sicily in the mid 11th century. By the late 11th century the guard had a high percentage of Anglo-Saxons in the ranks, those who had left England during the reign of William the conqueror and had made their way to Constantinople. Perhaps they knew they would eventually meet the Normans in battle and get their revenge.

 The Varangians actually met the Normans who were led by Robert Guiscard at the battle of Dyrrhachium in 1081 were they were almost destroyed after pursuing some of the routing Norman troops, the Byzantine did end up losing the battle and almost the war.

 Finally I know that the Varangians were the only unit to hold their ground during the siege of Constantinople in 1204 and were destroyed almost to the man and were believed to have been disbanded after that. However there is apparently some record of these by now Englishmen serving under the Nicaean Emperors and perhaps even the Palaeologians.

 Thats a general outline of them and I think I got most of it right but there are guys on here who know a ton more about them than me.

 


Edited by Heraclius - 10-Oct-2006 at 12:30

I don't have much detailed info, but you should look into the campaigns of George Maniakes, the Byzantine general, under whom Harald Hardrada served when he commanded the Varangians.

I've found two other battles;

Originally posted by Turk Nomad Pechenegs and Cumans are Turks friend   Well,ı heard in battle of Manzikert(1071),there were varangians in Bryzantine army.They all killed by Turkmens...

 The whole of the Varangians wernt present, many remained in Constantinople, although those who did participate in the battle almost certainly died to the man, which is honourable as they would often fight to the death, although its certain to mean they recieve greater casualties when things went wrong. Fair play to the Turks though, those who fought for Byzantium at Manzikert remained loyal and were killed pretty much to the man to.

 *friends* as you claim, didn't stop them being defeated.


Edited by Heraclius - 14-Oct-2006 at 15:04

Originally posted by Heraclius Originally posted by Turk Nomad Pechenegs and Cumans are Turks friend � Well,ı heard in battle of Manzikert(1071),there were varangians in Bryzantine army.They all killed by Turkmens... �The whole of the Varangians wernt present, many remained in Constantinople, although those who did participate in the battle almost certainly died to the man, which is honourable as they would often fight to the death, although its certain to mean they recieve greater casualties when things went wrong. Fair play to the Turks though, those who fought for Byzantium at Manzikert remained loyal and were killed pretty much to the man to.�*friends* as you claim, didn't stop them being defeated.

    
Certainly killed?Why?
Most of the Byzantine army retreated after Mantzikiert battle.
The casualties are prooven overestimated.

Thnx Constantine-can u give me the link about this ?
Is it clarified this in the sources,or it came after research ?
It would be reasonable though, because Varangians were an infantry unit,and also quiet heavy armored.
On the other hands most other Byzantine units ,as well as Turkish consisted of cavalry.

     
I would like to read the reference in the source about the Varangian guards.(if there is any).

The essay is the far more detailed and full inscription of the Battle-(as a whole).
Awsome.
     

Edited by Brainstorm - 16-Oct-2006 at 06:09

    At least one Varagian group take place in the wars of Basyl against the Bulgaria in 11th century. And at least once they save the day in the battle in Traianovi vrata. Battle was almost win for Bulgarian king Samuel, but in this moment "Crazy nordic people payed from Byzantines emperor come in fight and nothing can stop there moving". Sorry, I cannot remember the name of the chief of this group, but is famous in Scandinavia. Even Discovery channel have movie for this person.

Originally posted by Brainstorm Originally posted by Heraclius Originally posted by Turk Nomad Pechenegs and Cumans are Turks friend   Well,ı heard in battle of Manzikert(1071),there were varangians in Bryzantine army.They all killed by Turkmens...  The whole of the Varangians wernt present, many remained in Constantinople, although those who did participate in the battle almost certainly died to the man, which is honourable as they would often fight to the death, although its certain to mean they recieve greater casualties when things went wrong. Fair play to the Turks though, those who fought for Byzantium at Manzikert remained loyal and were killed pretty much to the man to. *friends* as you claim, didn't stop them being defeated.      Certainly killed?Why? Most of the Byzantine army retreated after Mantzikiert battle. The casualties are prooven overestimated.

LoL