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Im gonna have to correct you on one thing, the climate in scandinavia is not nearly as bad as you make it out to be, in Denmark for example we have quite pleasant summers and more often than not mild winters (we are lucky if we can get snow in December) and the majority of the population where Farmers. The overpopulation is correct however. You would have to get further north before the climate gets really harsh though :-) But feel free to correct me if you would happen to have any counter evidence, kind regards A Dane
It would be interesting to know when it has ist roots in byzantine times or from a later or the modern period. Myself would not be surprised when ist from byzantine times since the City of Thessaloniki hold its Byzantine Greek character all over the time, dont slavicised like the biggest part of the Balkans nor lost the imerial character and importance as an Empires City like most of the ancient bigger cities of the Greek penninsula more or less after the end of antiquity.
Far from true. They fled when they were not paid and the last emperor was left to fight with only the cretan archers and the men of justiniani. When everything goes well everyone is loyal and happy. There is no glorious father in defeat, you are left as an orphan
We have examples in history of pieces of shits who got paid to protect a king and they ended up backstabbing the same king who they were supposed to protect. So Varangians have my respect for being loyal. At least they weren't hypocrites. They were TRUE MEN OF HONOUR
@@mistarnoob1495 He´s talking about the period of the Praetorian guard. The Norse weren´t a thing yet but the Germanic cultures did worship a religion that would later become the Norse mythology.
@@Gunxify funny and ironic though that it was always the Germanic People who are the most loyal bodyguards of the Roman Emperor, the Germanic Imperial Bodyguards and the Varangian Guards.
In Venice's Arsenal, on the one of two Lion statues, there are some rune inscriptions. Probably, these Lions were carried in 15th century by Venecians from Athens, where, Varangians defeated Muslims
Are there Hellenized Scandinavian names? I would assume some of those Varangians who settled down in the region would either adopt new names or have their names Hellenized.
@@12345678900987659101 some of them adopted orthodox christianity and got greek names. Legacy of these people would perish though, following numerous ottoman massacres.
@@12345678900987659101 As far as i know, no. Those two hypothesies you mentioned, are highly probable in my opinion. I believe they intergrated in hellenic society and changed their initial names or society probably had them nicknames to signify their identity (or status, as Varangopoulos) as foreigners and those nicknames later on became last names.
If you find a long haired cat in Istanbul you can be sure it came from the North. Norwegian Forest cats were usually aboard the ships to fend of the thieving mice. Even if the Varangians are gone their cats still survive.
@@12345678900987659101 At that time, probably so given that there were Byzantine families of Norman and even Turkish ancestry running about. Now, most likely not.
Huns, avars, pechenegs, cumans...all disappeared..only hungarians could establish a country, what still exists. Edit: I forgot Bulgaria, but it's pity they abandoned their original language
Cersei shoud have bought Varangians instead of Golden Company Varangians Soldier: ''Sir, they have a dragon'' Varangians CO:''Did we get paid?'' Varangians Soldier:'' Yes sir.'' Varangians CO:'' Then bring my axe boi. We have a dragon to kill!''
XLLDARK RAIDER that is debatable if you have seen kings and generals's other videos the roman legions were rather lethal. However if you are talking about this time period (wich is litteraly know as the viking age) then your statement would infact be correct 👍
@@somegreekdude9225 of course I'm talking about 7th century AD up to 15th century AD. You can't compare to the Roman legions nobody could during Romes rein in the ancient world, nobody could
XLLDARK RAIDER naw. They were shock troopers, very easily defeated if you have enough of a numbers advantage. Disciplined Roman troops were capable of flexible tactics that allowed them to overcome many different challenges on the spot. Including being vastly outnumbered. Anglos and Vikings were good warriors for sure, but they were not very flexible units and typically had limited circumstances of effectiveness.
We learn just a few things about Byzantine and 50% of that is orthodox Christianity advertising, we learn about the most famous battles and little more. Hell we are not taught almost anything for WW2 or WW1 outside our battles, about the sit europe did in africa, but perhaps most importantly we are not taught our OWN recent history, 60s+.
Fun Fact : Tzar Samuel of Bulgaria also suffered a stroke and died when he saw 15.000 of his men blinded on Basils orders after the battle of Kleidion.
According to the records his suffered a stroke mid charge against Basil himself. People saw it as divine intervention as he was holding a banner depicting the holy mother Mary. I found the wiki on the dude and this is where they talk about it The two armies were facing each other, when Phokas galloped forward, seeking personal combat with the Emperor who was riding in front of the lines. Just as he prepared to charge at Basil, however, Phokas suffered a seizure,[4] fell from his horse, and was found to be dead[5] (April 13, 989). His head was cut off and brought to Basil. This ended the rebellion.
@@BioHorse the sad thing is they were actual vikings, the issue is that vikings were not united well enough to defend their lands. I hope that sometime soon we will soon see the return of the vikings
Officially for the time it was Eastern Roman Empire. Emperor Theodocius the last emperor of the whole Roman Empire splits the Empire in two 2 halves among his sons. The Western part was sacked by everyone!!!! The Eastern part lived for another 1000 years approximately and the historians named it Byzantium. But the people called themselves Romans.
@@tylerellis9097 No.Nick Zissis is literally correct.Byzantins within Greekorthodoxy 0:42 *Agia Sophia* achieved their targets till 1453..till the last Emperor KONSTANTINOS PALAIOLOGOS who crowned in pelloponese Mani* died bravely among their warriors in the battle.I think after the split of Roman Empire Byzantines and their empire trully rize.fact*
...cool as they name suggests... Maybe; their name means 'viking' and they were hired mercenaries who obey only gold coins and treasures, just like vikings ;)
Miklagaard has been our home For twenty years or more We've lent our axes, spears and swords In service of the emperor.We are loyal warriors That's the oath we gave To protect the emperor Even to a violent grave.
Our loyalty was always firm We kept our given word On these southern battlefields Our northern war cries roared Battles have been fought Many gave their lives But all who died by axe and sword Were called to hall up high
Harald captured over 80 arabic forts? My several hundred hours in Mount and Blade: Warband tells me that it's a fact. Nord Huscarls, in my opinion, are better than Trebuchets
Pfft shooting enemies with your little wooden crossbows, real conquerors like Swadians ride their horses into castles. Don't mind me, just a little too much butter.
"The Varangians were positioned in the vanguard where they were most comfortable." I wanna know how large the wheel barrow they used to move their giga-sized balls were.
Norsemen were born warriors, pure and simple. Axe in hand, helmet on head, death or glory. Like if you look at their descendants even today, the Nordic people, they're on average taller and more sturdily built than western and southern Europeans
largest viking invasion in history happened on north Iran, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspian_expeditions_of_the_Rus%27 " The Rus' undertook the first large-scale expedition in 913; having arrived on 500 ships, they pillaged in the Gorgan region, in the territory of present-day Iran," (it failed though)
@@viraloracle5151 The Daylamites beat them back. The Daylamites were renowned as the best Heavy Infantry in the Middle East. During the early Islamic conquests, the converted Daylamites were often paid double than their Arab counterparts because they were that good. The Rus Vikings were given a nasty suprise in Iran. During the Sassanid-Roman wars, the Sassanids often had Daylamites as their heavy infantry and they could stand toe to toe with their Roman legionary counterparts.
@Dex4Sure That's like saying the Vikings were not as good as everyone says they were since they were eventually subdued by Pope and converted to Christianity. Also these same Daylamites were used as Heavy Infantry in the Sassanid armies and they went toe to toe with Roman Legionaries. It's not Persian fanboyism. There is a reason why Rus Vikings never seriously threatened Northern Iran again. Whilst the British and Central Europeans had to consistently suffer against Viking attacks.
They had to keep the name romanoi in order to have justified claims on the western part of the empire. Science philosophy music religion day to day ordinary communication was in greek and there was a neat effort in preserving and copying all ancient bibliography on everything in greek. There were no doubt people that went against the idea. King Theodosius ( Spanish origin)
one shoe walker Speaking Greek does not make you Greek. I can name you so many Armenian Emperors it’s not even funny. Romanoi was used to refer to all Greek Speaking people of the Empire including Armenian and Bulgarian families. Where as only Greeks in the Empire were called Greek.
Alexandros Var Bulgaria was a integrated part of the Empire for over 160 years and next to it the rest of its existence. Armenians were a major part of the Empire as they inhabited all of Eastern Anatolia, Armenia proper and Later Cilica all direct Byzantine territory. That’s why their was so many Armenian Emperors. Taronite and Komeutopli Armenian And Bulgarian families respectively were called Romanoi despite not being Greek. Literally half the world called the Empire Roman. Even Certain Frankish Emperors And Kings Of England called then Roman. They were only called Greeks cause they spoke Greek and to dispute their Romaness. Serbia and Bulgaria both tried to restore the Empire and were extremely Romanized with some Greeks officially supporting the Bulgarians against the Crusaders to take Constantinople. Only after did 1204 and the death of the Roman Empire did Greek become a interchangeably used name with Greek and Even then Konstantinos Palaiologos called himself Emperor of Greeks and Romans.
@@christopherzantiotis I don't agree with the points you made. 1st- They did not have a "Greek Orthodox religion" they were mostly Chalcedonian christian just like the church in Rome and after the split they didn't become "Greek Orthodox" that is what we today use to identify the church. However this is classification is used in the west but in the east like in Turkey and in Arabic countries they are referred to as Roum Orthodox which translates to Roman Orthodox while Catholics are referred to as simply Latins and not Roman Catholic like in the west. So it is a matter of perspective. 2nd- You are correct when you said that originally the city was called Byzantium. However, it should be known that during the reign of emperor Constantine the great the city was renamed to nova roma and it was made the new capital of the Roman empire. Later the citizens started calling it Constantinople in reference to him. Never did the inhabitants call it Byzantium after the reign of Constantine the first. 3rd- As far as I am aware the west did start calling Eastern Romans Greek in the middle ages. However, at the time there was no notion of a nation state and calling someone Greek at that time was like calling someone pagan. I think that Eastern Romans acknowledged their Greek heritage as you can see from the letters between emperor of Nicea John III Vatatzes and the pope whom I forgot his name or the writings of Anna Komnene. I think that calling Eastern Romans Greek is equivalent to calling someone from the USA English or German.
@@christopherzantiotis you have an obsession with greeks dont you because you forget the traco-romans( modern day vlahs and romanians), issaurians, Armenians, punic,jews,semites, egyptians, goths, slavs, illiro-romans( albanians) italo-romans, slavs, bulgarians and many many more that where part of the empires ethnic make up and legacy.
Christopher Zantiotis I know why they were called that, but I would say the (Eastern) Romans were neither Hellenistic nor Italic (obviously to the latter) but were a dialecticised merger of the two cultures. They called themselves Roman, they maintained a monarchy going back to Augustus, practiced Roman Christianity (orthodoxy), and carried on most of their traditions (including the Senate which wasn’t dissolved until the 12th century). Americans today don’t look like Americans in 1776 but that doesn’t change the fact that’s what we are. Imho ‘Byzantine’ should be the description of the era, not the civilisation.
well to be fair, at least we dont kill people... you know... that thing harald was casually doing at 21... not to mention that we call a certain generation the lost generation for a certain reason... you people act as if we should not learn from our collective history...
Guy's here's another awesome fact: Harald's great-grandson, Sigurd, was the first European king to participate in a crusade. He set off on his 3-year long adventure when he was just 17. He helped to drive the Moors out of Spain, fought pirates in the Mediterranean and helped King Baldwin capture the city of Sidon. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigurd_the_Crusader In my opinion the Hardrada dynasty is a solid reminder of how we were once warriors other then the sated house cats we are now. We tend to look on the past with our modern perceptions which is why our ancestors are often misunderstood. Yes there were people killed but that was just the way of war. Nowadays we have a different view on that because there's no ideal or anything. In those old days war was how a man made his wealth. All things to think about right here folks.
@@tomurg Yup, exactly. And its not about kills, its about passion. You dont need to be 2m tall warrior to be a true man, you can be a 1.6m scientist with huge glasses, but with passion and determination you can be a hero. And tbh - its not like in this day people dont kill each over. We just prefer to ignore the facts if they not happend in 1st world countries.
Great video. Allow me a comment on a detail I find interesting. The AngloSaxons of the British Isles were traditionally affiliated to Constantinople even prior to the Battle of Hastings. That enraged the Frankish Pope of Rome (after the Great schism of 1054), who blessed William the Conqueror and his Normans to invade England and convert the AngloSaxons to the Catholicism of the Pope of Old Rome. The Normans introduced Catholicism along with a harsh Frankish style feudalistic system to England that sent the AngloSaxon knights escaping as refugees to the Varangian Guard service of their respected East Roman Emperor in Constantinople
@@derrickpalmiter369 Yes they did convert to Christianity before that but the Anglo Saxon nobility leaned more toward the Eastern Christian rites more than they did the Latin Rites so after the Great Schism the Pope was like get fucked.
@@waaghghazghkull6362 it prob also has to do with where they are at with how much of scotland and ireland followed there own rites as well the entire british isle seems to have been a land of "We do it our own way" sort of mentallity with God.
Basil the Bulgar Slayer never had children (or at the very least, any legitimate ones), Anna was his sister Just a small detail, apart from that great video!! I can't get enough of Offy D's voice
Correction : Anna Porphyrogenita who married Vladimir the Great of Kiev was the 'SISTER' of Emperor of Basil II and the daughter of Byzantine Emperor Romanos II.
The Byzantine wasn't a Greek empire, it was a multi-ethnic empire. Similar applies to the Ottomans. Both saw themselves as the rightful inheritors of the Romans, who were also multi-ethnic. Examples of 'real' Greek empires are the Macedonian empire, and examples of 'real' Turkic empires are the Gokturks and the Seljuks.
@@bilgeturkkan6095 the byzantine empire was mutliethic but it was mostly greek.They spoke greek,they wrote in greek and their names were also greek(just look at the names of the emperors).
Wait,... Aren't you guys just descendants of cowards that stayed behind as their other contemporaries went on to pillage elsewhere? I mean come on, how many of them actually did came back to have a family.
Robert Tucker all Muslim migrants think all Europeans are pathetic femboys. Seems like only 1% are even hard asses these days. Being a man is bad over there & you gotta submit to the women hahaha
most modern day millenials and especially here in north america have no idea what byzantium or varangians are heck most of them will even dare to say the romans where black yes we have gotten to that point where there deleting history for the sake of leftist propaganda.
Didnt know about the saxon influence over Varangian guard untill i saw Anglovarangoi unit in medieval 1212 mod. As an Englishman it was nice to know some of the saxon warrior class survived the ethnic cleansing of the Normans during the Harrying of the north (with records in the doomsday book showing as much as 75 percent of population dissapear) and prospered in Byzantium.
Hi bro, have you heard about Nova Anglia? The Englinbarangoi (English Varangians) were tasked with reconquering Crimea, which they did and were given the land to rule as their own. The called it Nova Anglia (New England in Latin) and called their settlements things like London and York! They repelled Tartar invasions and sieges and built their own small nation. Apparently, they remained in Crimea, still speaking old English until the 14th century or so!
A video about medieval feudal society, as well as how it affected armies and war planning (seeing how this channel's main content is military history), would be an interesting watch! Perhaps a few examples of some special cases, if there are any, would be a nice addition as well.
*MARCH OF THE VARANGIAN GUARD by Turisas intensifies* It really says something that the bodyguard of the Byzantine emperor had to be foreign mercenaries
As Greek (Romios) I have to say that becaue of the Varangian Guard we Greeks (Romioi) feel a deep bond with the Norse people , with Danemark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland (but also with England and Russia). We Greeks are deeply thankful for the service of so many Norse people who left everything and came to fight for the freedom and the power of the Eastern Roman Greek Empire. The WARRIORS OF ODIN were one of the best units of the byzantine army and they fought as brothers together with us side by side for Greece , for Europe and for Christianity against the barbaric invaders who made the mistake to threaten the empire. Many Varangians returned as rich people in the Norse and there they influenced a lot the cultures of Norway, Sweden , Danemark and Iceland. The Varnagian Guard was and is a special bond between the Eastern Roman Empire (medikeval Greek Byzanz) and between the norse germanic people. The Eastern Roman Empire was for centuries one of the strongest states of the world with one of the strongest militaties of the world. Few if any states survived and flourished so long as the Eastern Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire (medieval Greece ) was for centuries the main defense of Europe and european culture against jihadism, militant Islam and eastern invaders . Most importantly , Byzanz fought mainly only to defend itself for foreign invaders. We did not do imperialistic wars. But make no mistake, the Roman Empire did not end in 1454. In 1821 , Greeks revolted againt all odds and we liberated back our country. Greece is today the direct continuation of the Roman Empire (Byzanz). Today , Greece has today one of the strongest militaries of Europe. Greece is a protector of stability and peace in the mediterannian sea. But make no mistake, if needed, Greece will again defend the european borders as it always did .
@NoQue Q "They stayed a while in Micklegarth [Constantinople], and set the realm of the Greek-king free from strife. King Kirjalax [Alexius] offered them to abide there and guard his body as was wont of the Varangians who went into his pay, but it seemed to earl Sigurd and the other chiefs that it was too small a career to grow old there in that fashion, that they had not a realm to rule over; and they begged the king to give them some towns or cities which they might own and their heirs after them…king Kirjalax told them that he knew of a land lying north in the sea, which had lain of old under the emperor of Micklegarth, but in later days the heathen had won it and abode in it. And when the Englishmen heard that, they took a title from king Kirjalax that the land should be their own and their heirs after them if they could get it won under them from the heathen men free from tax and toll. The king granted them this. After that the Englishmen fared away out of Micklegarth and north into the sea, but some chiefs stayed behind in Micklegarth, and went into service there. Earl Sigurd and his men came to this land and had many battles there and got the land won, but drove away all the folk that abode there before. After that they took that land into possession and gave it a name, and called it England. To the towns that were in the land and to those which they built they gave the names of the towns of England. They called them both London and York, and by the names of other great towns in England…This land lies six days’ and six nights’ sail across the sea to the east and northeast of Micklegarth; and there is the best land there; and that folk has abode there ever since.[27]"
@NoQue Q "The English were the most prominent element in the Varangian Guard from the late 11th to the 13th century. Although there were probably few Englishmen serving in the guard by the time of its writing, the 14th-century Book of Offices of Georgios Kodinos or Pseudo-Kodinos mentions the Christmas custom of the Guard. “Then the Varangians come and wish the Emperor many years in the language of their country, that is, English, and beating their battle-axes with load noise.”[34] An earlier Byzantine source called them “the axe-bearing Britons, now called English.”[35] Nonetheless, the guard was not wholly English, a number of sources mention Danes in the guard.[36] This seems natural in that Anglo-Danes and Danes played such an important role in the Anglo-Saxon military, particularly in the huscarls."
Amazing stories from the past which are totally unknown from most of us. I am a busy Banker in Dhaka Bangladesh, but I wait for your documentary like a eager bird for a season.
Miklagaard has been our home For twenty years or more We've lent our axes, spears and swords In service of the emperor We are loyal warriors That's the oath we gave To protect the emperor Even to a violent grave Our loyalty was always firm We kept our given word On these southern battlefields Our northern war cries roared Battles have been fought Many gave their lives But all who died by axe and sword Were called to hall up high Our time here Is now at end Can't help but reminisce A cold spring day So long ago When we set out to sea We! Set out from Svitjod's Shores! With dreams of fame and Gold! And! The work of weaving Norn's! Was for us unknown Amon Amarth varyags of miklagaard
@@christopherzantiotis yes your facts are true bur they called themselves Romans so they are Romans even though they speak Greek/they ARE Greek/they are orthodox. Doesn't matter.
@@CataciousAmogusevic They Called themselves Romanoi (Ρωμανοι) not Romans (Ρωμαιοι) in english its both "Romans" but actually there is a difference. The former reffers to greeks and the latter to romans so they did actually call themselves as greeks
@KORAX14 IERAX and the rest of them still lived under Turkish rule for 400 years, so all of them were weak i guess? Even in modern times with improved guns and tanks they still lost all of their wars against us after WW1(Turkish War of Independence and 1974 Cyprus). I guess we're alone too much for them so they need help from Europe 24/7 and even with their help most of the times they lost(Crusades). The ones who you claim to be weak and converted are kicking asses of strong ones so how does your logic works exactly?
@KORAX14 IERAX So basically they're the same as any other nation by your logic African people are as stong as Greeks because they lived under European slavery for hundreds of years but survived and preserved their culture just like Greeks a very much different version. Also language also religion. Actually now that i think of it African people are better because they lived under multiple times harder situations, at least Greeks could live under Ottoman Empire as citizens, could work their job whatever they were good at or wanted earn money raise family etc. even get rich if their children were chosen as Janissaries. Only difference was them paying more taxes if they wanted to remain Christian which they could. If you think today's Greek culture/language is the same as Byzantium times you must be out of your mind.
@KORAX14 IERAX "Did we do everything right?" not a single nation on earth can answer "Yes" to that question, so stop being hypocrite. And yes there is no point in continuing this chat because you have no idea what you're talking about.
6:30 Phokas: It seems the Emperor has some foreign troops supporting him, well no matter, I have a fool proof plan that will guarantee, OH NO I'M HAVING A STROKE! *(Dies)*
The Normans were just as much Viking as the Varangians. Just imagine if Harald had beaten Harold at Stamford Bridge. The resulting battle for all of Britain would have been between 2 Viking descended forces....Hardrada's and Duke William's (the Frenchified Vikings)!! If only Hardrada's men hadn't been so cocky, and had worn their armor the day of the battle at Stamford Bridge!! Yes, yes, the world might be so different today!!
@@isismccain915 Hardrada's forces weren't cocky at all, it was summer they didn't expected the english to arrive north as quickly as they did, so they left their armor with their boats and were trying to refresh themselves. Fun fact even without armor they almost won the battle, they lost because Hardrada died, so morale crumbled.
@@lordcanard4428 Wrong, it was Autumn and the Viking army was obliterated. Secondly, the Vikings expected no resistance from the leaders of York that were expected to lay down their arms later that day. Lastly, they totally avoided sending and scouts south to investigate the approach of Harold’s forces that they MUST have known were on their way. I call that cockiness/arrogance, taking the enemy lightly. You call it normal, because it was a hot Autumn day. OK, you win! Your argument is more compelling! Have nice day!
@@isismccain915 yeah, you are right for the season, my bad. Concerning the fact that the norwegians were surprised i think that they expected the english army to be in the south waiting for the normans. I don't think that a leader like hardrada will be stupid enough to not send scouts in the area, i mean he had the experience with him, and his army too. It's been awhile since i've read about the battle but if i remember it correctly the norwegians held pretty well and inflicted heavy casualties to the english until Harald was killed, it was then when they started routing that they were slaughtered, but then again it's been a long time since i read about the battle. I might be wrong. Compeling ? Sry english isn't my first language i don't really know what it means. Anyway i find the conversation interesting, even though we have to consider that the battle was modified by english or norwegians alike, maybe it was completely different from what we both know XD. Its really la te where i live so have a gold night x)
@@lordcanard4428 People know more about the Normans than Varangians these days. It’s because BOTH russian and swedish historians try to put the scandinavian heritage in Russia away. Swedes can’t be proud of who they are in this extreme communist country. Russians want their own, slavic heritage instead of having a mixed norse-slavic heritage. So people usually just talk about the conquest of the danes and norwegians during the Viking Age. Not the swedes. It’s ridicilous.
How about a video on the Normand Lords who became kings of Sicily ? That's an awesome story ! They even defeated the Pope army in a land battle in Italy !!!
Also, look up Nova Anglia, where the English Varangians conquered Crimea on behalf of the Emperor. Then ruled there, speaking Old English, repelling Tartar invasions into the 14th century or so!
Fascinating video. Even the comments are informative. As a 65 year year old Greek-American who went to Greek American elementary school & an American public high school & college, I had very little knowledge of the Scandinavian role in European & Byzantine history. This is very unfortunate. I was first introduced to Vikings history in a fictional story loosely based on historical facts in the History channel's 2013 TV series called Vikings. Great series especially the first 3 years. It had enough facts that it made me curious to look for more information, including finding this channel. I am amazed at what I learned and how relevant it is in today's world. Because we don't study history properly we easily find ourselves today in endless pointless wars. Because the USA founding fathers knew their world history, they made a point that their new nation should avoid foreign wars and President Washington declined the role of King or permanent leader. Folks, learn from the past. Human nature hasn't changed. Besides the two World Wars, Mao & Stalin combined killed over tens of millions of their own people. Thanks again for this video.
Most of them are total war players. And also. Varangian lost popularity against like knight, Mamelukes, samurai, chu kou nu, legionaries, vikings, British Longbowman, Old Guard
For anyone who may be interested, there's a Finnish metal band called Turisas, and one of their songs is about the Varangian guard. If you know the history of the guards, it makes the song even more epic. (the song is called March of the Varangian guard)
Among Anglo-Saxons was also Æthelred (II) the Exile. He was a member of House of Wessex but I don’t know why Edward the Confessor didn’t put him as his heir. Had the best claim since grandson of a King.
In Hagia Sofia, there is a runic inscription that was carved on the fences of the balcony. The writing is preserved now and the name of "Halvdan" can be read. It is supposed to belongs to a Varangian Guard or a Viking merchant.
Not THAT is how you do a sponsorship ad for a mobile game. It does feel like you genuinely enjoy the game and graphics, unlike others who seem to be reading from a script. Bravo.
Great video! Might I suggest a video on Harald's great grandson and the norwegian crusade? During a time of prosperity Magnus Jorsalfare and his brother were ruling the kingdom together. Since they were in a golden age then it was possible for them to send a crusade and they fought all the way from Spain to Ibiza and Sidon. It's even said that in order to defeat some pirates which had holed up in a cave on a cliff they pulled a longboat on top of the mountain, tied it to some trees and lowered it down in front of the cave entrance as a platform to stand on as they smoked out the pirates.
nah... praetorians are more like janissaries... they both were actually more dangerous to their lord than to an outter force... varangians were upstanding dudes...
This was actually very damn GOOD, everything was down to a T and accurate. People don't realize what Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark actually did in this world, neither did I until I studied it. Good Stuff.
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Battle of Vienna 1683 please..
Alright! My favourite TV Show is on! :D
The battle of al mansurah (1250)
Byzantine empire reconquest under basil II
Im gonna have to correct you on one thing, the climate in scandinavia is not nearly as bad as you make it out to be, in Denmark for example we have quite pleasant summers and more often than not mild winters (we are lucky if we can get snow in December) and the majority of the population where Farmers. The overpopulation is correct however. You would have to get further north before the climate gets really harsh though :-) But feel free to correct me if you would happen to have any counter evidence, kind regards A Dane
We have a saying in Thessaloniki that is not known to many, ''πιστός σαν Βάραγγος'', which in greek means ''loyal as a Varangian''.
Interesting!
That's awesome! :D
Badass, thanks for sharing!
It would be interesting to know when it has ist roots in byzantine times or from a later or the modern period. Myself would not be surprised when ist from byzantine times since the City of Thessaloniki hold its Byzantine Greek character all over the time, dont slavicised like the biggest part of the Balkans nor lost the imerial character and importance as an Empires City like most of the ancient bigger cities of the Greek penninsula more or less after the end of antiquity.
Far from true. They fled when they were not paid and the last emperor was left to fight with only the cretan archers and the men of justiniani. When everything goes well everyone is loyal and happy. There is no glorious father in defeat, you are left as an orphan
Everyone: "loyalty can't be bought".
Varangians: "-hold my mead"
Also Varangians: nevmind give it back
We have examples in history of pieces of shits who got paid to protect a king and they ended up backstabbing the same king who they were supposed to protect. So Varangians have my respect for being loyal. At least they weren't hypocrites. They were TRUE MEN OF HONOUR
@@QualityPen The virgin Paetorian guards vs The chad Varangians
The loyalty which praetorians never had
hold my dane-axe
The irony that the Roman Paetorian guard was less loyal than a corps made up of Heathen Norsemen.
Most of them converted
Praetorian guard was so loyal, Emperors needed German bodyguards to protect them from Praetorians.
@@aleksapetrovic6519 ehm, norse, not german
@@mistarnoob1495 He´s talking about the period of the Praetorian guard. The Norse weren´t a thing yet but the Germanic cultures did worship a religion that would later become the Norse mythology.
@@Gunxify funny and ironic though that it was always the Germanic People who are the most loyal bodyguards of the Roman Emperor, the Germanic Imperial Bodyguards and the Varangian Guards.
Also in the Hagia Sophia, their are Norse runes etched into the marble. supposedly done by a bored Varangian guard .
"Harald was here." something along those lines, I believe.
Axel Tenveils Halfdan.
In Venice's Arsenal, on the one of two Lion statues, there are some rune inscriptions. Probably, these Lions were carried in 15th century by Venecians from Athens, where, Varangians defeated Muslims
Found an article saying exactly this an hour ago. Guess I found out late :/
@@axeltenveils6816 not harald but halfdan the black!
You can still find till today in Greece the last name "Varangopoulos", which means son of the Varangian, and also variations of it.
Are there Hellenized Scandinavian names? I would assume some of those Varangians who settled down in the region would either adopt new names or have their names Hellenized.
@@12345678900987659101 some of them adopted orthodox christianity and got greek names. Legacy of these people would perish though, following numerous ottoman massacres.
@@12345678900987659101 As far as i know, no.
Those two hypothesies you mentioned, are highly probable in my opinion.
I believe they intergrated in hellenic society and changed their initial names or society probably had them nicknames to signify their identity (or status, as Varangopoulos) as foreigners and those nicknames later on became last names.
If you find a long haired cat in Istanbul you can be sure it came from the North. Norwegian Forest cats were usually aboard the ships to fend of the thieving mice. Even if the Varangians are gone their cats still survive.
@@12345678900987659101 At that time, probably so given that there were Byzantine families of Norman and even Turkish ancestry running about. Now, most likely not.
Varangians just casually slapping the Pechenegs out of history.
Always have a plan!
Fun Fact :
The Byzantine emperor himself led the Varangian charge up the hill in a frenzy after he took an arrow to the knee :)
Huns, avars, pechenegs, cumans...all disappeared..only hungarians could establish a country, what still exists. Edit: I forgot Bulgaria, but it's pity they abandoned their original language
If you read history you would understand that battle was one hellova battle:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Beroia
Thracian Goth Your Comment makes literally no sense. Bulgarians fought alongside the Varangians in that battle.
The Varangian Guard was everything the Praetorians weren't.
Loyalty to the end!
They weren't true to caesar
@@V.SenseiWho?
@@adriantsui9566 [FNV joke] the praetoreans are true to caesar, and will give their lives for him to dominate the mojave wasteland
@@V.Sensei lol
Only one question when researching this: Why the hell doesn't Hardrada have his own Netflix series?
He'll probably appear in Vikings
Both Hardrada and Justinian the Great need their own miniseries
Because Netflix sucks at making series
Dave Bautista is too booked up at the moment.
Hell yeah, better story then ragnars
Cersei shoud have bought Varangians instead of Golden Company
Varangians Soldier: ''Sir, they have a dragon''
Varangians CO:''Did we get paid?''
Varangians Soldier:'' Yes sir.''
Varangians CO:'' Then bring my axe boi. We have a dragon to kill!''
@Hoàng Nguyên The Swamps of the Neck is more or less the Vietnam of Westeros
I read that in the voice of kratos
The Unsullied are the Varagnians of Got world.
No it is more like
Varangians soldier “Sir they have a dragon”
Varangians co “Valhalla here we come”
charge
in greece where we learn a shit ton about the byzantine era no teacher has ever mentioned the varangian guard so thank you for the knowledge
Because the best warriors were us Anglo/Vikings cough cough...
XLLDARK RAIDER that is debatable if you have seen kings and generals's other videos the roman legions were rather lethal. However if you are talking about this time period (wich is litteraly know as the viking age) then your statement would infact be correct 👍
@@somegreekdude9225 of course I'm talking about 7th century AD up to 15th century AD. You can't compare to the Roman legions nobody could during Romes rein in the ancient world, nobody could
XLLDARK RAIDER naw. They were shock troopers, very easily defeated if you have enough of a numbers advantage. Disciplined Roman troops were capable of flexible tactics that allowed them to overcome many different challenges on the spot. Including being vastly outnumbered. Anglos and Vikings were good warriors for sure, but they were not very flexible units and typically had limited circumstances of effectiveness.
We learn just a few things about Byzantine and 50% of that is orthodox Christianity advertising, we learn about the most famous battles and little more. Hell we are not taught almost anything for WW2 or WW1 outside our battles, about the sit europe did in africa, but perhaps most importantly we are not taught our OWN recent history, 60s+.
*Boyar Harald defected to the Khergit Khanate*
You are everywhere LoL
YES!
Fckn khergits with there horses
@@motivationallizard6644 dude, that's why you get Swadian knights and Rhodock crossbows
Most useless faction ever
Thank you for the Byzantine and late roman content
You mean "thank you for the late Roman content" :)
@@TheChiconspiracy check mate!
@@TheChiconspiracy Roman Byzantium
@@Joker-yw9hl Uno reverse card
@@IamSome1 That's like saying "American New Amsterdam"
Narrator: "Upon seeing the host of Basil's army, Falcus suffered a stroke and died"
Floki:
Fun Fact :
Tzar Samuel of Bulgaria also suffered a stroke and died when he saw 15.000 of his men blinded on Basils orders after the battle of Kleidion.
Graiznek Except theirs more proof that this actually happened unlike Basil blinding 14000 Bulgarians.
According to the records his suffered a stroke mid charge against Basil himself. People saw it as divine intervention as he was holding a banner depicting the holy mother Mary.
I found the wiki on the dude and this is where they talk about it
The two armies were facing each other, when Phokas galloped forward, seeking personal combat with the Emperor who was riding in front of the lines. Just as he prepared to charge at Basil, however, Phokas suffered a seizure,[4] fell from his horse, and was found to be dead[5] (April 13, 989). His head was cut off and brought to Basil. This ended the rebellion.
Floki is a way of saying cum in greek hehe
How Varangians work: "Please insert coin !!"
@@gamingthisera6339 Varangians are as reliable as arcade machines. If you insert enough coins they work efficiently forever.
@Águila701 exactly :D
At least it's not the Praetorians.
@@BioHorse the sad thing is they were actual vikings, the issue is that vikings were not united well enough to defend their lands. I hope that sometime soon we will soon see the return of the vikings
@Dennis Helgi yeah
>Says Eastern Rome instead of Byzantium
>Instant like
Not Eastern, Just Rome.
It's the same thing
Officially for the time it was Eastern Roman Empire. Emperor Theodocius the last emperor of the whole Roman Empire splits the Empire in two 2 halves among his sons. The Western part was sacked by everyone!!!! The Eastern part lived for another 1000 years approximately and the historians named it Byzantium. But the people called themselves Romans.
Nick Zissis Except the Empire was Legally reunited by Emperor Zeno in 480 so your wrong. Eastern Roman is inaccurate
It’s the Roman Empire.
@@tylerellis9097 No.Nick Zissis is literally correct.Byzantins within Greekorthodoxy 0:42 *Agia Sophia* achieved their targets till 1453..till the last Emperor KONSTANTINOS PALAIOLOGOS who crowned in pelloponese Mani* died bravely among their warriors in the battle.I think after the split of Roman Empire Byzantines and their empire trully rize.fact*
One of the coolest names to ever grace an imperial bodyguard, with members looking and being as cool as their name suggests. God damn.
They were hype
Favourite units on Total War Medieval 2, with their battle axe
True!
...cool as they name suggests... Maybe; their name means 'viking' and they were hired mercenaries who obey only gold coins and treasures, just like vikings ;)
They're so goddamn cool, I'm planning on joining the Byzantines in Total War solely because of them
Basil II: These rebellious Phokas...
Aide: Sir Phokas is one man
Basil II: Yes, I'm taking about all these rebellious Phokas who joined him.
These rebellious motherphokas are gonna pay with their blood!
@@buffoonustroglodytus4688 Their phoking blood*
@@Vini-zv3lr L O L
Pechenegs: exist
Varangian guard: im gonna end this guys whole career
Miklagaard has been our home
For twenty years or more
We've lent our axes, spears and swords
In service of the emperor.We are loyal warriors
That's the oath we gave
To protect the emperor
Even to a violent grave.
Our loyalty was always firm
We kept our given word
On these southern battlefields
Our northern war cries roared
Battles have been fought
Many gave their lives
But all who died by axe and sword
Were called to hall up high
not Miklagaard , but Tsar'grad like Constantinople was named by Old Slavs and as was known in ancient Rus'.
Have you fallen down the preverbal hole? Wake up, it’s a fucking game!! Try living in the real world please!!!
Harald captured over 80 arabic forts?
My several hundred hours in Mount and Blade: Warband tells me that it's a fact. Nord Huscarls, in my opinion, are better than Trebuchets
Pfffffft! silly nord propaganda.... My rhodok sharpshooters can take twice more forts with minimum casualties.
Pfft shooting enemies with your little wooden crossbows, real conquerors like Swadians ride their horses into castles. Don't mind me, just a little too much butter.
+1 My Nord Huscarls have helped me to take all the Rhodok cities and castles with the help of Swadian sharpshooters
Tbf Rhodok Sharpshooters are the fucking deal. Their accuracy is *mmmmhhh*
OMG man .. I was thinking exactly about M&B when I heard this :D
"There is no Bardus Fuckus sir, it's a joke name sir"
"Really? I have a great friend in Constantinople called Bardus Fuckus"
Surely his ancestor was Biggus Dickus
And his wife Incontinentia buttocks
I was thinking about the same thing :D
I’m so glad I’m not the only one that laughed like a fool when I heard his name
Oh Brian, you are a very naughty boy.
"The Varangians were positioned in the vanguard where they were most comfortable." I wanna know how large the wheel barrow they used to move their giga-sized balls were.
When death in battle is the most glorious thing you can think of, only the vanguard will do.
Norsemen were born warriors, pure and simple. Axe in hand, helmet on head, death or glory. Like if you look at their descendants even today, the Nordic people, they're on average taller and more sturdily built than western and southern Europeans
@@wardeni9603 Cold climates tend to do that. Just look at the Neanderthals after one of the ice ages.
@@wardeni9603 Polar bears are bigger than any other bears. That's how it works.
@@liamjm9278 but the homo sapiens were taller, and africans tend to be tall af
Ah that one trait some Viking characters can get in CK2!
Do us proud son!
You could also hear the one of the ck2 songs near the end of the video
@@osamazafar6264 yup ck 2 song
@@osamazafar6264 song is our kingdom will fall song by a dude i can't spell the name of
Man of culture
Enemies running from battle and the Varangians having none of it, "we came for battle." That's just the best.
"We didn't get all dressed up for nothing!"
For uncivilized barbarians non europeans, those vikinls truly had heart and made a fortune from Byzantium
Well money is a great motive:) many of them probably get christianized too
This Greek city Constantinople is known to be incredibly advanced and wealty .No wonder...
the fuck you mean with non europeans? Scandinavia isnt european?
@@pMsAlex138of course it is. Scandinavians have more European blood than Greeks and Italians
Such a badass story, never knew vikings went into the Levant and beyond!
largest viking invasion in history happened on north Iran, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspian_expeditions_of_the_Rus%27 " The Rus' undertook the first large-scale expedition in 913; having arrived on 500 ships, they pillaged in the Gorgan region, in the territory of present-day Iran," (it failed though)
@@viraloracle5151 The Daylamites beat them back. The Daylamites were renowned as the best Heavy Infantry in the Middle East. During the early Islamic conquests, the converted Daylamites were often paid double than their Arab counterparts because they were that good.
The Rus Vikings were given a nasty suprise in Iran.
During the Sassanid-Roman wars, the Sassanids often had Daylamites as their heavy infantry and they could stand toe to toe with their Roman legionary counterparts.
@Dex4Sure That's like saying the Vikings were not as good as everyone says they were since they were eventually subdued by Pope and converted to Christianity. Also these same Daylamites were used as Heavy Infantry in the Sassanid armies and they went toe to toe with Roman Legionaries. It's not Persian fanboyism. There is a reason why Rus Vikings never seriously threatened Northern Iran again. Whilst the British and Central Europeans had to consistently suffer against Viking attacks.
@@grimgoreironhide9985 Sources ?
@@linhhoang1363 img.4plebs.org › imagePDF
Sassanian Elite Cavalry AD 224-642 - 4plebs
As a medieval 2 total war player i love varangians so much :D
stainless steel 6.4 here... them bois are responsable for my conquering of the levant, arabia and north africa alone... what a fond journey.
@@drewinsur7321 Stainless steel Bynzantine empire is basically cheating.
@@demistr7435 yes, late period
@@dimitris1988kom explain your errors if any.
@@dimitris1988kom im a windows 7 boi sorry i can help :/
Awesome! Thanks for this, I've always been interested in the Varangians and the Byzantine Empire.
gerald hammond Thank you, I’ll be sure to check it out :)
YES! Finally, the famous Varangian Guards!
One of these guys even have carved his name on the Hagia Sophia's marble.
Yeah! I was hoping that would be mentioned lol
HAFDAN!
what a barbaroi xd
Yeah "Halvdan was here" from 9th century can be seen on the marble at the South Gallery :D
He also wrote "Erlendur likes small Greek boys" but that got erased somehow.
FINALLY! HONOR TO THE BASILEOS!
And thank you for calling the empires as Eastern and ROMAN! And for showing the Hagia Sophia without those minarets!
Ferrer Mihkael Why? Eastern Roman is equally a modern Term!
Well of course they wont show the minarets... they weren't built yet...
They had to keep the name romanoi in order to have justified claims on the western part of the empire. Science philosophy music religion day to day ordinary communication was in greek and there was a neat effort in preserving and copying all ancient bibliography on everything in greek. There were no doubt people that went against the idea. King Theodosius ( Spanish origin)
one shoe walker Speaking Greek does not make you Greek. I can name you so many Armenian Emperors it’s not even funny. Romanoi was used to refer to all Greek Speaking people of the Empire including Armenian and Bulgarian families. Where as only Greeks in the Empire were called Greek.
Alexandros Var Bulgaria was a integrated part of the Empire for over 160 years and next to it the rest of its existence. Armenians were a major part of the Empire as they inhabited all of Eastern Anatolia, Armenia proper and Later Cilica all direct Byzantine territory. That’s why their was so many Armenian Emperors. Taronite and Komeutopli Armenian And Bulgarian families respectively were called Romanoi despite not being Greek.
Literally half the world called the Empire Roman. Even Certain Frankish Emperors And Kings Of England called then Roman. They were only called Greeks cause they spoke Greek and to dispute their Romaness.
Serbia and Bulgaria both tried to restore the Empire and were extremely Romanized with some Greeks officially supporting the Bulgarians against the Crusaders to take Constantinople.
Only after did 1204 and the death of the Roman Empire did Greek become a interchangeably used name with Greek and Even then Konstantinos Palaiologos called himself Emperor of Greeks and Romans.
Varangians: (sees enemy fleeing)
Also Varangians: Yall mind if I Varangian?
Slaughters entire enemy army.
Who used to be the Byzantine empire in total war medieval just for the varangian guards
i just liked constantinople & their scoutatois & their sturdy infantry line
i like the greek fire unit
Yes Byzantine infantry rule
Never used them, I'm a shield and sword type of guy.
Me. :D
Devin calling Eastern Romans ‘Romans’ instead of ‘Byzantines’ is my new kink
Chris Leonard Why? It’s equally as inaccurate. Eastern Roman I mean.
@@christopherzantiotis I don't agree with the points you made.
1st- They did not have a "Greek Orthodox religion" they were mostly Chalcedonian christian just like the church in Rome and after the split they didn't become "Greek Orthodox" that is what we today use to identify the church. However this is classification is used in the west but in the east like in Turkey and in Arabic countries they are referred to as Roum Orthodox which translates to Roman Orthodox while Catholics are referred to as simply Latins and not Roman Catholic like in the west. So it is a matter of perspective.
2nd- You are correct when you said that originally the city was called Byzantium. However, it should be known that during the reign of emperor Constantine the great the city was renamed to nova roma and it was made the new capital of the Roman empire. Later the citizens started calling it Constantinople in reference to him. Never did the inhabitants call it Byzantium after the reign of Constantine the first.
3rd- As far as I am aware the west did start calling Eastern Romans Greek in the middle ages. However, at the time there was no notion of a nation state and calling someone Greek at that time was like calling someone pagan. I think that Eastern Romans acknowledged their Greek heritage as you can see from the letters between emperor of Nicea John III Vatatzes and the pope whom I forgot his name or the writings of Anna Komnene. I think that calling Eastern Romans Greek is equivalent to calling someone from the USA English or German.
Chris Leonard true, I noticed that.
@@christopherzantiotis you have an obsession with greeks dont you because you forget the traco-romans( modern day vlahs and romanians), issaurians, Armenians, punic,jews,semites, egyptians, goths, slavs, illiro-romans( albanians) italo-romans, slavs, bulgarians and many many more that where part of the empires ethnic make up and legacy.
Christopher Zantiotis I know why they were called that, but I would say the (Eastern) Romans were neither Hellenistic nor Italic (obviously to the latter) but were a dialecticised merger of the two cultures. They called themselves Roman, they maintained a monarchy going back to Augustus, practiced Roman Christianity (orthodoxy), and carried on most of their traditions (including the Senate which wasn’t dissolved until the 12th century).
Americans today don’t look like Americans in 1776 but that doesn’t change the fact that’s what we are.
Imho ‘Byzantine’ should be the description of the era, not the civilisation.
Harald at 21 - become head of varangians.
Modern guys at 21 - still kids.
qe qe Yeah in those days men were men.
well to be fair, at least we dont kill people... you know... that thing harald was casually doing at 21... not to mention that we call a certain generation the lost generation for a certain reason... you people act as if we should not learn from our collective history...
Guy's here's another awesome fact: Harald's great-grandson, Sigurd, was the first European king to participate in a crusade. He set off on his 3-year long adventure when he was just 17. He helped to drive the Moors out of Spain, fought pirates in the Mediterranean and helped King Baldwin capture the city of Sidon.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigurd_the_Crusader
In my opinion the Hardrada dynasty is a solid reminder of how we were once warriors other then the sated house cats we are now. We tend to look on the past with our modern perceptions which is why our ancestors are often misunderstood. Yes there were people killed but that was just the way of war. Nowadays we have a different view on that because there's no ideal or anything. In those old days war was how a man made his wealth. All things to think about right here folks.
@@tomurg Yup, exactly. And its not about kills, its about passion. You dont need to be 2m tall warrior to be a true man, you can be a 1.6m scientist with huge glasses, but with passion and determination you can be a hero.
And tbh - its not like in this day people dont kill each over. We just prefer to ignore the facts if they not happend in 1st world countries.
Medieval times life expectancy was not the highest either
A future video idea might be covering Basil II and his life. Otherwise great video!
I'm surprised as to why he hasn't covered it already :-)
Mreow Basil the Bulgar slayer
It's coming...
and how Georgians saved his ass.
giopa69420911 and then he beat those Georgians ass for betraying him in the second civil war.
Great video. Allow me a comment on a detail I find interesting. The AngloSaxons of the British Isles were traditionally affiliated to Constantinople even prior to the Battle of Hastings. That enraged the Frankish Pope of Rome (after the Great schism of 1054), who blessed William the Conqueror and his Normans to invade England and convert the AngloSaxons to the Catholicism of the Pope of Old Rome. The Normans introduced Catholicism along with a harsh Frankish style feudalistic system to England that sent the AngloSaxon knights escaping as refugees to the Varangian Guard service of their respected East Roman Emperor in Constantinople
Thanks!
The anglo Saxons converted long before 1054. Not sure where you heard this.
@@derrickpalmiter369 Yes they did convert to Christianity before that but the Anglo Saxon nobility leaned more toward the Eastern Christian rites more than they did the Latin Rites so after the Great Schism the Pope was like get fucked.
@@waaghghazghkull6362 it prob also has to do with where they are at with how much of scotland and ireland followed there own rites as well the entire british isle seems to have been a land of "We do it our own way" sort of mentallity with God.
@@marcus4046that’s very true even today
Basil the Bulgar Slayer never had children (or at the very least, any legitimate ones), Anna was his sister
Just a small detail, apart from that great video!!
I can't get enough of Offy D's voice
He was probably homosexual
@@user-zr9ui7ot9t He was described as a womanizer in his youth, but as emperor he was so dedicated to the state he never stopped to take a wife.
@@kaloyanrosenov2123 cute he copied the title of basil lol
Correction :
Anna Porphyrogenita who married Vladimir the Great of Kiev was the 'SISTER' of Emperor of Basil II and the daughter of Byzantine Emperor Romanos II.
my ggrandmother
WE ARE THE VARANGIAN GAURD
GUTS AND GLORY
HAND OF MIGHT
RED AS BLOOD AND BLACK AS NIGHT
This channel and history time are top tier.
Greeks are people that even made a nordic king to join them and be their bodyguard unit so thats why hellenistic history is best history.
where are you from ?
The Byzantine wasn't a Greek empire, it was a multi-ethnic empire. Similar applies to the Ottomans. Both saw themselves as the rightful inheritors of the Romans, who were also multi-ethnic. Examples of 'real' Greek empires are the Macedonian empire, and examples of 'real' Turkic empires are the Gokturks and the Seljuks.
@@bilgeturkkan6095 it was predominantly Greek though ( language and culture ).
@@bilgeturkkan6095 the byzantine empire was mutliethic but it was mostly greek.They spoke greek,they wrote in greek and their names were also greek(just look at the names of the emperors).
The Greeks of the empire considered themselves Romans, not the Armenians nor the Bulgarians ......just saying!
The Varangians are one of my favorite historical warriors.
You know that an empire is strong when it has Viking mercenaries.
My Scandinavian heart beats with pride at the tale of these great warriors.
they were great times my Norse brother. I'm sure our ancestors had great adventures!
Wait,... Aren't you guys just descendants of cowards that stayed behind as their other contemporaries went on to pillage elsewhere? I mean come on, how many of them actually did came back to have a family.
my Anglo Saxon one does as well :)
Go save your own country. I had a Syrian sweede tell me how pathetic he thinks you guys are
Robert Tucker all Muslim migrants think all Europeans are pathetic femboys. Seems like only 1% are even hard asses these days. Being a man is bad over there & you gotta submit to the women hahaha
SEND IN THE VANGARD!!!!!!!
Shield wall!
“We’re just facts about ancient history, we’re supposed to be relatively unknown.”
“Not to me.”
most modern day millenials and especially here in north america have no idea what byzantium or varangians are heck most of them will even dare to say the romans where black yes we have gotten to that point where there deleting history for the sake of leftist propaganda.
Didnt know about the saxon influence over Varangian guard untill i saw Anglovarangoi unit in medieval 1212 mod. As an Englishman it was nice to know some of the saxon warrior class survived the ethnic cleansing of the Normans during the Harrying of the north (with records in the doomsday book showing as much as 75 percent of population dissapear) and prospered in Byzantium.
Hi bro, have you heard about Nova Anglia? The Englinbarangoi (English Varangians) were tasked with reconquering Crimea, which they did and were given the land to rule as their own. The called it Nova Anglia (New England in Latin) and called their settlements things like London and York! They repelled Tartar invasions and sieges and built their own small nation.
Apparently, they remained in Crimea, still speaking old English until the 14th century or so!
Vikings: What's south of here?
Russia: Roman Empire.
Vikings: That's still around? Get outta town!
The Age of Empires sound effects in these videos never cease to make me smile.
AlexisErudite overpopulation sound effect haha
A video about medieval feudal society, as well as how it affected armies and war planning (seeing how this channel's main content is military history), would be an interesting watch! Perhaps a few examples of some special cases, if there are any, would be a nice addition as well.
*MARCH OF THE VARANGIAN GUARD by Turisas intensifies*
It really says something that the bodyguard of the Byzantine emperor had to be foreign mercenaries
GUARDS OF GLORY AND OF MIGHT
RED AS BLOOD AND BLACK AS NIGHT
@@gabrielinostroza4989 *FLIES OUR BANNER AS WE MARCH TO THE EAST, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GREECE!*
As Greek (Romios) I have to say that becaue of the Varangian Guard we Greeks (Romioi) feel a deep bond with the Norse people , with Danemark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland (but also with England and Russia).
We Greeks are deeply thankful for the service of so many Norse people who left everything and came to fight for the freedom and the power of the Eastern Roman Greek Empire.
The WARRIORS OF ODIN were one of the best units of the byzantine army and they fought as brothers together with us side by side for Greece , for Europe and for Christianity against the barbaric invaders who made the mistake to threaten the empire.
Many Varangians returned as rich people in the Norse and there they influenced a lot the cultures of Norway, Sweden , Danemark and Iceland.
The Varnagian Guard was and is a special bond between the Eastern Roman Empire (medikeval Greek Byzanz) and between the norse germanic people.
The Eastern Roman Empire was for centuries one of the strongest states of the world with one of the strongest militaties of the world. Few if any states survived and flourished so long as the Eastern Roman Empire.
The Eastern Roman Empire (medieval Greece ) was for centuries the main defense of Europe and european culture against jihadism, militant Islam and eastern invaders . Most importantly , Byzanz fought mainly only to defend itself for foreign invaders. We did not do imperialistic wars.
But make no mistake, the Roman Empire did not end in 1454. In 1821 , Greeks revolted againt all odds and we liberated back our country. Greece is today the direct continuation of the Roman Empire (Byzanz). Today , Greece has today one of the strongest militaries of Europe. Greece is a protector of stability and peace in the mediterannian sea. But make no mistake, if needed, Greece will again defend the european borders as it always did .
Weird how you put England last, given that the armour that everyone associates with the Varangians is a type of English armour...
@NoQue Q "They stayed a while in Micklegarth [Constantinople], and set the realm of the Greek-king free from strife. King Kirjalax [Alexius] offered them to abide there and guard his body as was wont of the Varangians who went into his pay, but it seemed to earl Sigurd and the other chiefs that it was too small a career to grow old there in that fashion, that they had not a realm to rule over; and they begged the king to give them some towns or cities which they might own and their heirs after them…king Kirjalax told them that he knew of a land lying north in the sea, which had lain of old under the emperor of Micklegarth, but in later days the heathen had won it and abode in it. And when the Englishmen heard that, they took a title from king Kirjalax that the land should be their own and their heirs after them if they could get it won under them from the heathen men free from tax and toll. The king granted them this. After that the Englishmen fared away out of Micklegarth and north into the sea, but some chiefs stayed behind in Micklegarth, and went into service there. Earl Sigurd and his men came to this land and had many battles there and got the land won, but drove away all the folk that abode there before. After that they took that land into possession and gave it a name, and called it England. To the towns that were in the land and to those which they built they gave the names of the towns of England. They called them both London and York, and by the names of other great towns in England…This land lies six days’ and six nights’ sail across the sea to the east and northeast of Micklegarth; and there is the best land there; and that folk has abode there ever since.[27]"
@NoQue Q "The English were the most prominent element in the Varangian Guard from the late 11th to the 13th century. Although there were probably few Englishmen serving in the guard by the time of its writing, the 14th-century Book of Offices of Georgios Kodinos or Pseudo-Kodinos mentions the Christmas custom of the Guard. “Then the Varangians come and wish the Emperor many years in the language of their country, that is, English, and beating their battle-axes with load noise.”[34] An earlier Byzantine source called them “the axe-bearing Britons, now called English.”[35] Nonetheless, the guard was not wholly English, a number of sources mention Danes in the guard.[36] This seems natural in that Anglo-Danes and Danes played such an important role in the Anglo-Saxon military, particularly in the huscarls."
And christians were peaceful 😂 .Greeks humiliated in Turkish war of independence why not talk about it and why not about 1453 AD
Amazing stories from the past which are totally unknown from most of us. I am a busy Banker in Dhaka Bangladesh, but I wait for your documentary like a eager bird for a season.
Damn, their loyalty and honor is unbelievable...
Miklagaard has been our home
For twenty years or more
We've lent our axes, spears and swords
In service of the emperor
We are loyal warriors
That's the oath we gave
To protect the emperor
Even to a violent grave
Our loyalty was always firm
We kept our given word
On these southern battlefields
Our northern war cries roared
Battles have been fought
Many gave their lives
But all who died by axe and sword
Were called to hall up high
Our time here
Is now at end
Can't help but reminisce
A cold spring day
So long ago
When we set out to sea
We!
Set out from Svitjod's
Shores!
With dreams of fame and
Gold!
And!
The work of weaving
Norn's!
Was for us unknown
Amon Amarth varyags of miklagaard
GUARDS OF GLORY AND OF MIGHT
RED AS BLOOD AND BLACK AS NIGHT
FLIES OUR BANNER AS WE MARCH
IN THE EAST, FOR THE KING OF THE GREEKS!
*Romans
@@christopherzantiotis yes your facts are true bur they called themselves Romans so they are Romans even though they speak Greek/they ARE Greek/they are orthodox. Doesn't matter.
@@christopherzantiotis and Greeks/Greek speaking people are still called Roman in Turkey
@@CataciousAmogusevic They Called themselves Romanoi (Ρωμανοι) not Romans (Ρωμαιοι) in english its both "Romans" but actually there is a difference. The former reffers to greeks and the latter to romans so they did actually call themselves as greeks
@Mahmut Kerem Biçer It’s a song lyric so “greeks” is probably used because it rhymes better with “east”...
Who is your favorite
-Praetorian Guard(comments)
-Varangian Guard(like)
In memory of the barbarians that defended the City of Civilisation...Thank you.
A modern Greek
@TURK You are most welcome!!!For showing the world yet again the average IQ of a Turk...
it's truly a magnificent city
@KORAX14 IERAX and the rest of them still lived under Turkish rule for 400 years, so all of them were weak i guess? Even in modern times with improved guns and tanks they still lost all of their wars against us after WW1(Turkish War of Independence and 1974 Cyprus). I guess we're alone too much for them so they need help from Europe 24/7 and even with their help most of the times they lost(Crusades). The ones who you claim to be weak and converted are kicking asses of strong ones so how does your logic works exactly?
@KORAX14 IERAX So basically they're the same as any other nation by your logic African people are as stong as Greeks because they lived under European slavery for hundreds of years but survived and preserved their culture just like Greeks a very much different version. Also language also religion. Actually now that i think of it African people are better because they lived under multiple times harder situations, at least Greeks could live under Ottoman Empire as citizens, could work their job whatever they were good at or wanted earn money raise family etc. even get rich if their children were chosen as Janissaries. Only difference was them paying more taxes if they wanted to remain Christian which they could. If you think today's Greek culture/language is the same as Byzantium times you must be out of your mind.
@KORAX14 IERAX "Did we do everything right?" not a single nation on earth can answer "Yes" to that question, so stop being hypocrite. And yes there is no point in continuing this chat because you have no idea what you're talking about.
Halfdan was here
Çağlar Özgür I know
Alexa play march of the Varangian guard
GUARDS OF GLORY AND OF MIGHT
RED AS BLOOD AND BLACK AS NIGHT
@@MoenchCaesar Diversity is what unites us...
@@MoenchCaesar FLIES A BANNER AS WE MARCH!
IN THE EAST, FOR THE KING OF THE GREEK
@@b0leg23 Byzantine emperors triggered ( because they were Roman's)
@@johnkon215 most of the byzantinian folks were greek tho
Also the byzantine emperors weren't all roman either
6:30 Phokas: It seems the Emperor has some foreign troops supporting him, well no matter, I have a fool proof plan that will guarantee, OH NO I'M HAVING A STROKE! *(Dies)*
Is this Oversimplified reference?
@@justinian-the-great Pretty much
I love your Roman and Byzantine videos most. They're always so interesting!
@@MarkhasSteelfort And there is nothing like Eastern Roman Empire
@@MarkhasSteelfort There was only Roman Empire or Imperum Rhomanoi. Byzantine and Eastern Roman Empires were names created later
Badass honourable viking warriors....whats not to love
The Normans were just as much Viking as the Varangians.
Just imagine if Harald had beaten Harold at Stamford Bridge.
The resulting battle for all of Britain would have been between 2 Viking descended forces....Hardrada's and Duke William's (the Frenchified Vikings)!!
If only Hardrada's men hadn't been so cocky, and had worn their armor the day of the battle at Stamford Bridge!! Yes, yes, the world might be so different today!!
@@isismccain915 Hardrada's forces weren't cocky at all, it was summer they didn't expected the english to arrive north as quickly as they did, so they left their armor with their boats and were trying to refresh themselves. Fun fact even without armor they almost won the battle, they lost because Hardrada died, so morale crumbled.
@@lordcanard4428
Wrong, it was Autumn and the Viking army was obliterated. Secondly, the Vikings expected no resistance from the leaders of York that were expected to lay down their arms later that day. Lastly, they totally avoided sending and scouts south to investigate the approach of Harold’s forces that they MUST have known were on their way.
I call that cockiness/arrogance, taking the enemy lightly. You call it normal, because it was a hot Autumn day. OK, you win! Your argument is more compelling! Have nice day!
@@isismccain915 yeah, you are right for the season, my bad. Concerning the fact that the norwegians were surprised i think that they expected the english army to be in the south waiting for the normans. I don't think that a leader like hardrada will be stupid enough to not send scouts in the area, i mean he had the experience with him, and his army too. It's been awhile since i've read about the battle but if i remember it correctly the norwegians held pretty well and inflicted heavy casualties to the english until Harald was killed, it was then when they started routing that they were slaughtered, but then again it's been a long time since i read about the battle. I might be wrong. Compeling ? Sry english isn't my first language i don't really know what it means. Anyway i find the conversation interesting, even though we have to consider that the battle was modified by english or norwegians alike, maybe it was completely different from what we both know XD. Its really la te where i live so have a gold night x)
@@lordcanard4428 People know more about the Normans than Varangians these days. It’s because BOTH russian and swedish historians try to put the scandinavian heritage in Russia away. Swedes can’t be proud of who they are in this extreme communist country. Russians want their own, slavic heritage instead of having a mixed norse-slavic heritage.
So people usually just talk about the conquest of the danes and norwegians during the Viking Age. Not the swedes. It’s ridicilous.
Love your channel pls make next about "Janniseries" Ottoman special forces.
"Janniseries", nice pun, man
How about a video on the Normand Lords who became kings of Sicily ? That's an awesome story !
They even defeated the Pope army in a land battle in Italy !!!
@EnglishXnXproud The Feminine route of becoming French ... that turned into Jeanne of Arc to kick the English out of France years later !
first Last she was successful at numerous battles like the siege of Tours, pretty much singlehandedly turned the tide
as an englishman I feel great pride in the tenacity of the anglo saxon guards, go get em lads!
🏴❤🇬🇷
Also, look up Nova Anglia, where the English Varangians conquered Crimea on behalf of the Emperor. Then ruled there, speaking Old English, repelling Tartar invasions into the 14th century or so!
@@jackwhitehead5233 SHIT OFF MATE!
Edit: thats sound innit
I love these random videos that feel like a late night bonfire story.
Fascinating video. Even the comments are informative.
As a 65 year year old Greek-American who went to Greek American elementary school & an American public high school & college, I had very little knowledge of the Scandinavian role in European & Byzantine history. This is very unfortunate. I was first introduced to Vikings history in a fictional story loosely based on historical facts in the History channel's 2013 TV series called Vikings. Great series especially the first 3 years. It had enough facts that it made me curious to look for more information, including finding this channel. I am amazed at what I learned and how relevant it is in today's world. Because we don't study history properly we easily find ourselves today in endless pointless wars. Because the USA founding fathers knew their world history, they made a point that their new nation should avoid foreign wars and President Washington declined the role of King or permanent leader.
Folks, learn from the past.
Human nature hasn't changed. Besides the two World Wars, Mao & Stalin combined killed over tens of millions of their own people.
Thanks again for this video.
Amazing video!
Please do a video on the Sacred Band of Thebes or the Companions of Macedon!
MIKLAGAARD HAS BEEN OUR HOME FOR 20 YEARS OR MORE.
WE'VE LENT OUR, AXES, SPEARS AND SWORDS IN SERVICE OF THE EMPEROR
As expected from my favourite youtube channel. Also everyone who liked this story should check the battle metal band called Turisas
"lesser piece known in history" heh everyone was like "varangian guard badass"
Most of them are total war players. And also. Varangian lost popularity against like knight, Mamelukes, samurai, chu kou nu, legionaries, vikings, British Longbowman, Old Guard
Also Cataphract
For anyone who may be interested, there's a Finnish metal band called Turisas, and one of their songs is about the Varangian guard. If you know the history of the guards, it makes the song even more epic. (the song is called March of the Varangian guard)
Among Anglo-Saxons was also Æthelred (II) the Exile. He was a member of House of Wessex but I don’t know why Edward the Confessor didn’t put him as his heir. Had the best claim since grandson of a King.
Bcz he was a traitor
@@CataciousAmogusevic Really ?A teenager born in exile as traitor?
@@AP-yx1mm no i didn't call Æthelred a traitor
In Hagia Sofia, there is a runic inscription that was carved on the fences of the balcony. The writing is preserved now and the name of "Halvdan" can be read. It is supposed to belongs to a Varangian Guard or a Viking merchant.
Emepror: **gives some gold to some northerners**
Every other kingdom: why do i hear boss music?
Not THAT is how you do a sponsorship ad for a mobile game. It does feel like you genuinely enjoy the game and graphics, unlike others who seem to be reading from a script. Bravo.
Love it! Along with the Genoese Crossbowmen being a runner up, the Varangian guard were by far my favorite mercenaries in history.
just one question: what's the deal with Alexios Komnenos' beard?
I liked before starting
Great video! Might I suggest a video on Harald's great grandson and the norwegian crusade? During a time of prosperity Magnus Jorsalfare and his brother were ruling the kingdom together. Since they were in a golden age then it was possible for them to send a crusade and they fought all the way from Spain to Ibiza and Sidon. It's even said that in order to defeat some pirates which had holed up in a cave on a cliff they pulled a longboat on top of the mountain, tied it to some trees and lowered it down in front of the cave entrance as a platform to stand on as they smoked out the pirates.
Do more about Byzantium. It's an amazing story, and it should be better known by the wider public. Thanks!
thats dude that means a lot
you sir earned my forver respect and love ,i was a fan of the varangians since i was small and now as i live and breath i see this video
Soooo Veteran Refugees became an Elite Shock Troop and Elite Bodyguards for the Byzantine Emperor?
@Erratic No I meant the one when they had to go to an exodus out of the snow
Vikings, the original patrons of metal. Nice music choice King's.
Remarkable details. I recommend you doing Imjin war. Korea, Japan, China. Thanks!
Great video. Except one mistake as one of the commentator mentioned prior. Anna Makedon was sister of Basil II Bulgarakton. Not the daughter.
can we get more early Russian and Slavic history? or maybe some cossacks?
My grandmoms family were Cossacks! Could do whole series on them!
From what I’ve read, Russia/Belarus/Ukraine are all descendant of the Kievan Rus, Muscovy being a trading outpost of Kievan Rus at one point I think.
Varangian Guards are like the “Praetorians” of the Byzantine Empire.
*but in loyal
More like the Batavians
nah... praetorians are more like janissaries... they both were actually more dangerous to their lord than to an outter force... varangians were upstanding dudes...
Ken Lenard Navarro When you forget about the Scholae Palatinae the actual replacement of the Praetorian Guard.
Nha, Varangians were loyal only to the highest bidder, they still were raiders not loyal guards like the Armenian Palace Guards.
Can you guys make video on Sacred band of Thebes and Jannisaries too?
@@superspies32 lol, but they were manlier than you or me in battle.
@@superspies32 lol yeah
Some sources say that their fought so fierce just because they don't their male lover to die
Yay!!! Been waiting for this episode!!!
I'm so glad you called it a Dane Axe properly and not a battleaxe like every other "history" channel. Great work!
I'm really loving your channels these days!
Love from South Africa
@6:38 The Vikings: A warrior culture so masculine, it caused the enemy to have a stroke at the mere sight of them.
Andulasian navy fucked them so hard really
@Hoàng Nguyên asian have many warrior culture from arabs to samuri
Great video. Love you content especialy when you cover the Byzantine empire
Didn't know Hadrada was part of the Varangian Guard. You learn something every day!
Varangian Guard! Oh Kings and Generals, thank you so much for this video!!! 👌
Thanks for watching!
This was actually very damn GOOD, everything was down to a T and accurate. People don't realize what Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark actually did in this world, neither did I until I studied it. Good Stuff.