The Varangian Guard was an elite band of bodyguards who protected the Byzantine Emperors. Composed mainly of Vikings, who served as mercenaries in the Byzantine military, the guard was noted for its loyalty to the Emperor and its perceived aloofness from the political intrigues of the palace. Lacking confidence in his native Byzantine guards whose loyalty he did not fully trust, the Emperor Basil II raised the Varangian Guard to serve as his bodyguards.
The word Varangian is said to have originated from the word ‘var’ which could mean an oath or a pledge, a reference to the guards as warriors who promise to protect. Besides their function as bodyguards of the emperor, the Varangians were also charged with other duties such as the investigation of treason and conspiracies. As bodyguards, they accompanied the emperor during his public appearances and also performed a ceremonial role. The Guard was initially, composed mostly of Scandinavians. However, after the Norman invasion of Britain, Anglo-Saxons were inducted too.
Apart from their primary role as protectors of the Emperor, the Varangian Guard was also deployed in critical battles where the Varangians were known for their ferocity and ruthlessness. The weapon of choice for the Varangians was a long axe. They also appear to have been skilled as swordsmen and archers. Their loyalty coupled with their martial prowess made them an elite body of troops who were both feared and respected.
Since their chief role was in defending the person of the Emperor, the Varangians were stationed around Constantinople. During the Sacking of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade, they were the only unit in the Byzantine to offer any significant resistance to the pillaging crusaders. The Guard was disbanded shortly the city was captured in 1204.
When Santa has finished with dispensing his goodies to the world’s children, where does he go back to? Where does he live? Well, according to the people of Finland, Santa lives in the northern part of their country, known as Lapland. He lives in a place called Korvatunturi. 
The Dugong is an aquatic mammal that lives in the sea, usually in shallow areas such as channels, bays, etc. 
"The Three Musketeers" is a novel by the noted French Playwright and novelist, Alexander Dumas. Set in the backdrop of the French political scene before the French revolution, the novel details the adventures of a young man, 
|