Impressed by the Scandinavian Varangians in the defeat of Phokas, Basil II organized them into his personal bodyguard — the famous Varangian Guard. Brownworth notes they faithfully served the empire for 300 years, becoming legendary for their fierce battle axes and their loyalty to the throne (if not always its occupant), and that the most famous member was Harald Hardrada.
Also known as: Varangian Guard
What each episode says
Episode 13 (1 mention)
Impressed by the Scandinavian Varangians in the defeat of Phokas, Basil II organized them into his personal bodyguard — the famous Varangian Guard. Brownworth notes they faithfully served the empire for 300 years, becoming legendary for their fierce battle axes and their loyalty to the throne (if not always its occupant), and that the most famous member was Harald Hardrada.
“and he organized them into what would become the famous Varangian Guard.”
Episode 14 (4 mentions)
“time that had passed since its founding, its imposing walls had never been taken by force.”
“The Varangian guard couldn't man the entire length of the walls, and in fact, most sections”
“The cream of his army was the Varangian Guard, made up in large part by exiled Anglo-Saxons”
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