The Varangians of Byzantium
Subtitle: an aspect of Byzantine military history
By: Sigfús Blöndal ; translated, rev., and rewritten by Benedikt S. Benedikz.
Contributors: Benedikz, Benedikt S., 1932-
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 1978
Place of publication: Cambridge; New York
Language: eng; ice
Number of pages: 242
Subjects: Varangians -- Byzantine Empire -- History; Byzantine Empire -- History, Military -- 527-1081
Description: An aura of romance has clung about the Varangians for over six centuries. This book examines how the Norsemen came to be drawn into the Imperial service until the greatest of all the Emperors of the East, Basil II, formed them into the regiment of guards which was to give unique service to the Empire. It surveys the history of the regiment down to the collapse of High Byzantium in 1204 and traces the remnant of the Varangians to the very last day of the Empire in May 1453.
Notes: Bibliography: p. [234]-235.
A revised translation of Vaeringjasaga.
Includes index.