Vikings hired by Greeks who thought they were Romans in order to fight the Turks — The Varangi

Vikings hired by Greeks who thought they were Romans in order to fight the Turks — The Varangian GuardThe Vikings from Scandinavia are famous for their exploits as ruthless raiders and fierce warriors.  They were also great explorers, traveling as far as North America in the west and Russia in the east.  As they explored vast areas of the world many settled down to more permanent and stable occupations such as herders, farmers, merchants, and mercenaries.  For many mercenaries treasure and glory was to be had in the Eastern Roman Empire, the successor of the Roman Empire known as the Byzantine Empire, which was locked in a deadly battle with Turkish Muslim tribes to the east.  Many Norseman from  Västergötland, known as Varangia to the Byzantines, immigrated to Greece seeking work as soldiers for hire.In 988 the Emperor Basil II recognized the Varangians as talented and fierce warriors and organized them as an elite unit to serve as his personal bodyguard.  Not only were they excellent guards, but often used as elite shock troops on battlefields in Turkey, the Middle East, and Italy.  The typical Varangian Guardsmen often wore a helmet, chainmail armor, a round or kite shield, and hefted a large battleax for a primary weapon. However, the Varangians were most noted for their combat prowess and ferocity. During several battles the Varangians were called upon at pivotal moments to break the enemies ranks or fend off an assault. In one example, the Varangians were used to defeat a rogue Byzantine general.  The charge of the Varangians led to the general suffering a stroke, and in a moment of confusion the Varangians attacked and “cheerfully hacked them to pieces."   As well as hard fighters the Varangians also had a reputation as hard drinkers, giving them the 12th century nickname "the emperor’s winebags”.  For the first 100 years of it existence the Guard was primarily made up of Varangians.  However other recruits followed including Germans, Anglo-Saxons, Normans, Norwegians, Swedes, Danes, and even men as far away as Iceland and Greenland.  The Byzantine Emperor preferred recruiting Germanic soldiers because of their intense loyalty sworn by blood oath.  The Varangian Guard continued well into the 13th century.  However, by the mid 14th century most Varangians had assimilated to Greek culture and Scandinavian immigration and exploration came to an end.  The last vestiges of the guard disappeared with the fall of Constantinople in 1458. -- source link

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