X-Nico

4 unusual facts about Varangian Guard


Basil Boioannes

The request was granted: a detachment of the elite Varangian Guard was sent.

Manglabites

The perhaps most famous manglabitēs was the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada, who received the title in recognition of his services in the Varangian Guard in the 1030s.

Paramonai

Unlike other major guard units in the Palaiologan army like the Varangian Guard, the regiment of the Paramonai was a native Byzantine formation, although little else is known about it.

Vardariotai

Unlike the armed members of the Varangian Guard and the Paramonai regiment, they were equipped only with a whip (the manglabion) and a staff (the dekanikion).



see also