The Orthodox Nationalist: The Varangian Guard – TON 052522

Dr Matthew Raphael Johnson looks at the history of the Byzantine military organisation.

For four centuries, northern Europeans formed the core of the Byzantine armed forces. From their first appearance in 988, sent by St. Vladimir in Kiev, to the Fourth Crusade, this mercenary guard was the master of the Mediterranean sea and the Greek lands from Anatolia to Bulgaria to Armenia.

Physically massive, very strong and of a ferocious appearance, the Varangians were the most loyal, sophisticated and fanatical of all the armed services of the empire. They were the nucleus of both the navy and the army as well as critical center for the internal security of The City.

Members of the Guard became the wealthiest and best respected soldiers and sailors of the civilized world. Under the great emperor Basil II, the Guard reshaped Byzantine politics and military policy, giving the empire a new lease on life.

Presented by Dr Matthew Raphael Johnson

The Orthodox Nationalist: The Varangian Guard – TON 052522

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