Abstract
The Varangian guard, the bodyguard, unit of the Byzantine emperors from 988 to 204, has invariably been seen as holding an unwavering loyalty to their imperial masters. In this thesis I will argue that the issue of Varangian loyalty is not so c1ear cut. Indeed I shall show that the Varangians often became embroiled in the internecine disputes of the Byzantine Empire. In addition I will examine the motivations behind their involvement and how this was informed by their own cultural backgrounds and the cultural ideas, and possibly ideologies, which they carried with them from their homelands to Byzantium.To begin with, I examine the issue of the ethnic composition of the Varangian guard. Much has been written about the influx of Anglo-Saxon soldiers into the regiment in the mid-eleventh century and while I do not disagree that this occurred I argue that the evidence shows a continued Scandinavian presence throughout the guard's history. In addition l will show that a new dating for the entrance of the Anglo-Saxons into the guard is borne out by my own reinterpretation of the evidence.
Since this thesis is primarily concerned with rebellion and usurpation, next examine concepts of legitimacy and usurpation within Byzantium and within the Varangian homelands. The conclusions drawn from these two chapters as to the legitimacy of and the justifications given for usurpation and rebellion serve to inform some of the later chapters, particularly when examining the motivations of the Varangians for becoming involved in Byzantine rebellion and usurpations.
| Date of Award | Dec 2005 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Margaret Mullett (Supervisor) & Robert Jordan (Supervisor) |