The protagonists of the book are the Varangians and the Franks serving in the Byzantine army in the 11th century. The author comprehensively presents the reasons why they came to Byzantium, he follows their participation in battling external enemies, and shows their importance in the inner life of the empire. The reader is treated to picturesque accounts of the fate of individual mercenaries, such as Harald Hardrada, who later became King of Norway, or Hervé Frankopula. On the basis of a close examination of sources, the author characterizes the Byzantines’ attitude towards the Varangians and the Franks, as well as their mutual relations. The reader will find a wealth of information here not only about the heroes introduced in the title, but also about Byzantium itself in the 11th century, its army and the monetary system. The book is based on a doctoral dissertation, written under the supervision of dr hab. Teresa Wolińska, prof. UŁ in the Department of Byzantine History of the University of Łódź, defended in 2013. |