That Time the Vikings Became Roman

Nobody wanted to mess with the Varangian Guard.

These towering warriors, clad in chainmail and gripping their trademark double-edged axes, were the embodiment of Byzantine (or Eastern Roman) fighting power and regional supremacy.

They were also known for their unwavering loyalty, partly because they had begun as foreign mercenaries with no local political affiliations or loyalties. This served to reduce the risk of them getting involved in the complex internal politics of the Eastern Roman empire, ultimately keeping them from organizing and betraying their stations.

Exotic. Loyal. Incredibly Well Trained. Formidable.

Serving in the Varangian Guard was considered highly prestigious, and it paid quite well to boot. Emperor Basil II had seen to that, ensuring that these double-edged axes were on his side, not fighting against him. Members of the Guard often accumulated wealth and status, and many of them settled in Constantinople, the center of the Empire.

Although Basil had in mind for th…