 The New
Varangian Guard are a dedicated group re-enacting the fascinating
middle period of the Byzantine Empire and surrounding cultures
through combat, arts and sciences.They aim to make their
re-creation as realistic as possible without compromising safety,
the law or personal enjoyment. They also endeavour to create and
maintain channels of communication
 amongst
members, other re-creation groups, educators, government and the
business community. In this way they provide opportunities and
venues for members to practice, display and teach the skills, arts
and crafts that they pursue.
Centred on the border of Europe and Asia the city of
Constantinople was founded in the 4th Century AD on a site
originally called Byzantium, but changed by the Christian Roman
Emperor Constantine. The name of the city means literally “the City
of Constantine”. After the fall of the Western Empire in Rome, the
Roman Empire in the East carried on, though due to the geographic
and cultural location, the language spoken gradually changed to
Greek.
The Empire was on a military and economic high following the
reign of the Emperor Basil II “The Bulgar Slayer”. He had recognised
the ferocity and honour of the Vikings whom he had fought along with
their Rus allies from the area of modern day Kiev. Thus he raised
the Varangian Guard as a personal bodyguard – fierce axe-wielding
pagans to defend the body and state of “God’s representative on
Earth”. Feared and respected by friends and enemies alike, they were
also know as “the Emperor’s wine-bags” for their heroic ability to
carouse!
As a living history group, the New Varangian Guard aim to
experience at least some of the flavour of this complex era,
focusing on life in Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Whether at public or private events this provides a unique
opportunity to experience another time, both in battle and at social
events.
For more information contact -
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