The origins of the Varangian Guard can be traced back to the early 980s, when the Byzantine Emperor Basil II sent an embassy to the Viking lands in the north, in search of mercenaries to aid his campaigns against the Bulgarians. The Varangians impressed the Byzantines with their bravery and fighting skills, and they were eventually hired as mercenaries.
The Varangians were initially employed as a personal bodyguard for the emperor, but they soon became an elite unit in the Byzantine army, playing a key role in many of the empire's military campaigns. The Varangians were renowned for their courage, discipline, and loyalty, and they quickly became a highly respected and valued part of the Byzantine military.
Lamellar armour stands isolated from Norse warrior tradition but armours of this type sometimes occured in Baltic region until the 14th century (Thordeman 1939: 268–269). Chainmail armour can be identified as the predominant form of armour in Viking Age Scandinavia, like in Old Rus.
The Varangians were equipped with a distinctive type of armor, known as lamellar armor, which consisted of small iron plates laced together with leather cords. They also carried long spears, axes, and swords, and they were skilled in both hand-to-hand combat and missile warfare.
The Varangian Guard continued to serve the Byzantine emperors for over 300 years, until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. During that time, they were involved in many of the empire's most significant battles, including the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 and the Siege of Constantinople in 1204. They were also used as a police force in the capital, and they played an important role in maintaining law and order.
The Varangian Guard became famous throughout Europe for their bravery and skill, and they were admired by both their allies and their enemies. Their legacy can still be seen today in many works of art and literature, and they remain an important symbol of the Byzantine Empire's military power and cultural richness.
