The Varangians were Vikings or Norse seafarers from modern-day Sweden, Denmark, and Norway who, from the late 8th to the 11th century, ventured southward through Eastern Europe. These expeditions led them into contact with the Slavic people and eventually facilitated the establishment of trade routes, settlements, and even political entities.
Originally, the term "Varangian" comes from the Old Norse "Væringjar," which might be derived from "várar," meaning "pledges" or "oaths," indicating their role as mercenaries or traders under oath. Their initial movements were driven by trade and exploration, seeking new lands for resources, wealth, and opportunities.
The Varangians played a significant role in the formation of Kievan Rus, a medieval state that was a precursor to modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. According to the Primary Chronicle, a semi-legendary history of Kievan Rus, the Rus Khaganate was established by these Norse settlers, though the extent of their rule is debated among historians.
In the Byzantine Empire, the Varangian Guard was an elite unit of the imperial army, composed of Varangians and later other Western Europeans, known for their loyalty and ferocity in battle. This guard was particularly prominent from the 10th to the 12th century:
The interaction between the Varangians and the local Slavic and Finno-Ugric populations led to cultural exchanges, including the adoption of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which was a significant factor in the formation of the Rus identity. The Norse also influenced local languages, as seen in loanwords in Slavic languages.
By the 11th century, the Varangians' influence in Eastern Europe began to wane due to various factors: