“Then they approached the Grand Prince of the Rus’ and requested his help. […] Then he helped them with a mighty number of his men, and these were men of strength and men of mighty courage.”
“Varangians” was the collective term by which Scandinavians were known in Eastern Europe. The main trade route from Scandinavia was also known as the “route from the Varangians to the Greek”. However, the term “Varangians” was also used to describe the mercenaries in the service of the prince of the Rus’. These travelled via Eastern Europe to Byzantium and fought for the Byzantine emperor. Vladimir “the Great” is said to have sent Emperor Basil II (d. 1025) a great number of warriors in 988. Taking this as the natal hour of the famous “Varangian Guard” of Byzantium is now considered obsolete. However, mercenaries from the North and East of Europe were important for the Byzantine army. It is only towards the end of the 11th century that a Scandinavian identity of the Varangians in Byzantium becomes evident. Quite interestingly, the imperial guard of that time was also strengthened by a number of Anglo-Saxons fleeing England after the Norman Conquest. In the Mediterranean, they thus encountered the Normans yet again.
Konstantinopel, 11th–12th c.
Ivory
Köln, Museum Schnütgen, Inv. B6
This small ivory plate was originally attached to a rosette box. Decorated boxes were popular among the upper classes in Constantinople. They were used to store personal possessions and precious objects. Warriors are a common pictorial motifs and, following ancient tradition, they are often depicted naked. The warrior depicted in relief on this plate has been identified as a “Varangian” because of his Danish axe.
Sigtuna, 11th c.
Ivory
Sigtuna, Sigtuna Museum & Art, Inv. 14258
This ivory comb was found in Sweden but produced in the eastern Mediterranean. On the front it is decorated with a lion, on the back with two birds. In addition, it bears a runic inscription which was probably carved by a later owner. It reads “KUNT”, but its meaning remains a mystery. The comb was brought to Scandinavia probably via Eastern Europe, perhaps as the personal possession of a Varangian.
Harald Hardråde is also called the “last Viking”. The story of his life and his adventures show the mobility of people in the 11th century. Read the comic and learn more about his adventurous life.
There are surprisingly few depictions of Varangians or the Varangian Guard from the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, their traces can be found all over Europe and the Mediterranean. They prove the high mobility of people of Scandinavian origin in medieval times. Learn more about selected examples by turning the wheels.