Nobody1
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I also do not consider the Norsemen [Vikings/Varangians] as "overrated" or over-romanticized;
Bold adventurers and warriors that created a settlement and trade-network from Greenland - Nowgorod;
All connected with a great culture which is everlasting manifested in the Norse Mythology and Sagas;
Sure, the Norseman also suffered great defeats, like the Siege of Dorostolon;
But their reputation in bravery and loyalty (also cruelty) was so greatly appreciated that they were largely employed as mercenaries and guards by other foreign Kingdoms and Rulers;
Their christianised descendants the Normans, were masters of the pitched battle; (tragically) defeating the Varangian Guard (Byzantine) in the Battle of Dyrracheum; [Varangians were the only ones fighting, the Byzantines largely fled the field]
The Norsemen did get a good press in the medieval times from Ahmad ibn Fadlan;
very interesting chronicle and account;
Also to note (trade) the settlement of Haithabu (Queen of the Baltic);
Famous Piraeus Lion - inscriptions from Norse mercenaries [in Byzantine service]
Bold adventurers and warriors that created a settlement and trade-network from Greenland - Nowgorod;
All connected with a great culture which is everlasting manifested in the Norse Mythology and Sagas;
Sure, the Norseman also suffered great defeats, like the Siege of Dorostolon;
But their reputation in bravery and loyalty (also cruelty) was so greatly appreciated that they were largely employed as mercenaries and guards by other foreign Kingdoms and Rulers;
Their christianised descendants the Normans, were masters of the pitched battle; (tragically) defeating the Varangian Guard (Byzantine) in the Battle of Dyrracheum; [Varangians were the only ones fighting, the Byzantines largely fled the field]
The Norsemen did get a good press in the medieval times from Ahmad ibn Fadlan;
very interesting chronicle and account;
Also to note (trade) the settlement of Haithabu (Queen of the Baltic);
Famous Piraeus Lion - inscriptions from Norse mercenaries [in Byzantine service]