The Viking King, Harald Sigurdsson (called Hardrada), King of Norway, was for a time in the service of the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople.

Strange but true. Harald Hardrada (hard ruler), the Viking King of Norway spent a number of years in service to the Byzantine Emperor in the Varagian Guard. Harold was not always the king of Norway.

Harald's brother Olaf Sigurdsson had tried to take the throne of Norway from Cnut the Great (King of England, Norway and Denmark). Olaf failed in his first attempt. The second attempt was with Harald at his side (Olaf's half brother), and they lost the battle of Stiklestad in 1030 AD. Harald fled to the east and exile. Olaf was killed in this battle.

When Harald returned, he successfully conquered Norway as king. He then made a bid against the Anglo Saxon King Harold Godwinson, and died at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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18 Comments

Helen Hay

He was my ancestor.

JRW

Jaimi McEntire, Byzantine Empire is a correct name. If you followed the link far enough and you will find "The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire". The Western Roman Empire had fallen by the time of Harald Hardrada. So what we thought of being the Roman Empire no longer existed.

Jaimi McEntire

There was no byzantine empire. They called themselves Romans, and their country the Roman empire, with it's capital in Constantinople.

Louella Wilson

Although best known in the west for their seafaring raids, the Vikings were also moved east, using major rivers of Europe. Mainly as traders.

Ilias Tsiabardas

Never knew that Thanks for the information

Dominic Cassidy

The Varangian Guard acted as a personal bodyguard for the Byzantine Emperors. they were recruited from Scandinavia and England. They came from societies where the warriors pledged personal loyalty to their lord and could be trusted not to kill the Emperors, unlike his ambitious relatives.