Marines, Bodyguards, Jailers, and More.
The many roles of the Varangian Guard
The Varangian Guard was separated into several different organizations to maximize the impact of their unique attributes. Fiercely loyal, skilled sailors, and expert shock troops, the Varangian Guard filled many roles in the Byzantine Military.
The “Sailing Varangians” joined as a sort of coast guard, fighting pirates in their light vessels. For protecting the vital sea lanes these men were able to keep the loot they captured, minus a small tithe for the Emperor. These men came in handy for larger naval operations as well. Rus and Varangian mercenaries had served as marines and sailors in the Byzantine army for almost a hundred years before the creation of the Varangian Guard itself. These men were present during the many assaults on the Emirate of Crete in the early 10th century where their naval expertise was in high demand. Harald Hardrada may have begun his tenure in the Varangian Guard among these men.
The Varangian Guard, Skylitzes Chronicle
The “Mercenary Varangians” were mostly groups of warriors who traveled and served together in the Byzantine Army. These men made up the Varangian Tagma (Regiment) and were the elite heavy infantry of the army. These Varangians were often sent with the field armies to go where the fighting was fiercest. The Varangians Tagma’s elite reputation was amply rewarded as these men were given the right to loot before any other formation in the army after a successful battle or siege. These men made up the bulk of the Varangian Guard.
The “Varangians of the City” were the best of the best. Stationed in and around Constantinople, these men served as the Emperor’s personal bodyguard and filled critical positions as jailers, police, and guards of The City’s churches and palaces. The Varangians of the City were richly rewarded, earning a monthly wage 30 times that of the average worker in the capital. These warriors were also given 1/3 of all loot when on a campaign. At the death of an emperor, they were allowed to take all they could carry from his private residence in the palace. Such opportunities for riches made these men intensely loyal to the Emperor, which in turn encouraged him to continue to lavish these elite warriors with gifts and gold.
The importance of the Varangian Guard was not only recognized in its pay and military record but their status in the Imperial Court. From documents that describe court processions, we can understand the rank structure of the Varangian Guard. Our next article will focus on this subject.