Harald Hardrada, Basil II, and the Varangian Guard | Animated Byzantine History

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring this video. Special Black Friday deal! Every purchase of a 2-year plan will get you 4 additional months free. Go to nordvpn.com/historyhouse and use my coupon "historyhouse" at checkout. Also, whoever spots the typo first will get a hug from the Keebler elf.

[@HDTomo]

The most useless thing unless you want to access stuff from other countries

[@SteelFlesher]

Finally

[@HDTomo]

@shannon heraty it was probaly kept unlisted

[@a.h.tvideomapping4293]

@shannon heraty he finished the video a day before then unlisted it

[@pyeitme508]

Lol

[@a.h.tvideomapping4293]

Last Time I was this early Basil II was still some five year old who lost his father

[@yessir_]

let me guess his dad went to the store to buy milk

[@RexoryByzaboo]

Then his mother married some random man named Nikephoros Phokas. He got a new dad, yeah...

[@HarryPerrin-g5t]

@@yessir_ whoo😮

[@indelibleink5577]

I can't even tell you how much I love the History House Productions Extended Universe

[@matthewmelson1780]

He showed up just in time to replace the MCU

[@barrett206]

Yes

[@failuretv814]

"The vikings have an habit of showing up on places you wouldn't expect" That is true i have found one on my closet, how did he get there?

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

There was one in my trunk yesterday

[@myon_craft150]

The same happened to me! Except that he was in Basement and instead of a Viking it was 40 dead Kids

[@Elenrai]

@@HistoryHouseProductions Listen, I just needed a lift and I didnt want to be a bother! Also more stops at monistaries and less random back alleys!

[@julianhannen99]

A Viking was in my moms closet

[@aerohydreigon1101]

The viking was in the freezer

[@twiniki5186]

Humans in the 21st century: *trying to go to Mars* The vikings who already got there 1000 years ago: *die in norse because there's no oxygen, but still laughing*

[@prestonjones1653]

And they named it Blueland.

[@croweman6515]

Vikings being hired as the bodyguards of the Byzantine Emperor, reminds me of when The Rolling Stones hired the Hells Angels to be their security guards! Lol

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Did that happen? That’s pretty funny.

[@croweman6515]

@@HistoryHouseProductions it did actually, the Altamont Free Concert on Dec 6, 1969. And they... kinda sorta... stabbed and beat a man to death, so... yeah...

[@bcajma12]

@@croweman6515 So they just hired Vikings then?

[@SamAronow]

8:34 I don't know man, there are a *lot* of strategic triangles out there.

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

But some are created more strategic than others

[@penguinpingu3807]

And the most strategic triangle today is the Bermuda triangle. It's quite big and strategic.

[@ajithsidhu7183]

@@HistoryHouseProductions pls do one on the sikh empire

[@nothidingjustprivacy3472]

But have we considered the dorritoes triangle?

[@matheuroux5134]

The only things than can beat the Vikings in Italy? Other Vikings, but these ones speak French.

[@otanakugaming3357]

Very Ambitious Crossover

[@user-jr8kp4vn1j]

Their cousins, the Normans

[@Pantsinabucket]

Most of the Varangian Guard at the time of the Norman conquests were Englishmen, as in Old English speakers, who were dispossessed of their lands by the Normans.

[@deteon1418]

Treasure: Exists Vikings: Hippity Hoppity, this is now my property.

[@Newdivide]

Shiba Inu shiro suki

[@collin1061]

Vikings, soldiers of fortune that have fought everywhere in europe and a bit in north africa and levant

[@boolosboi7503]

*And North America

[@harpersferryblues]

Me: *sees Hararld hadrada in title* Also me: Y E S

[@howcanyoureadthistheresnop9244]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpLEq4iderCojKM

[@heathdionne7717]

@@howcanyoureadthistheresnop9244 😓

[@howcanyoureadthistheresnop9244]

@@heathdionne7717 im sorry man

[@howcanyoureadthistheresnop9244]

@@heathdionne7717 i very very sorry

[@howcanyoureadthistheresnop9244]

@@heathdionne7717 i feel like a dick man you rickroll me now

[@joksizantos7520]

0:06 My teacher when he doesnt read the chat

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Same

[@pyeitme508]

@@HistoryHouseProductions please chat my replies please 🥺🙏?

[@sodapop1794]

Harald Hardrada in Civ 6 Harold - Why u no have ships? U weak! Me - Harold please we're both land locked stop declaring surprise wars

[@RandomTrinidadian]

"I do not conceed, this battle was rigged." Why does that sound so familiar? 🤣🤣🤣

[@jian5]

"This battle is rigged! If we count the legal deaths, we easily win!" LOL such a relevant reference!

[@philip8498]

i mean it is gonna age like warm milk but still it is hilarious

[@archenema6792]

Gitmo bound very likely. But maybe he can get out before the posse arrives and share a Swiss condo with the son of Dominion's CEO while he's in exile.

[@histguy101]

I'm just going out on a limb here, but I'm guessing it was intentional

[@kingsarues1586]

What did you do today? Me: well I didn't die to the English like a nerd.

[@aleksandarvil5718]

Zoom Intro PRICELESS XD 😂😂😂👍👍

[@howcanyoureadthistheresnop9244]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpLEq4iderCojKM

[@trtyuiop]

Join his discord in the description of the video

[@trtyuiop]

@@howcanyoureadthistheresnop9244 I knew that would be a rickroll

[@howcanyoureadthistheresnop9244]

@@trtyuiop haha

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

I’m glad you liked it haha!

[@aleksandarvil5718]

2:28 **'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Starts**

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

I already used that meme haha

[@kenny1514]

The humor in this one was 🔥

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

I’m glad to liked it!

[@thinkersreasoning1575]

Harold.. He attac He defend But Most importantly He choke when it comes to england

[@Newdivide]

Shiba Inu Shiro suki

[@dutchvanderlinde1855]

Thanks Rick very cool

[@viktor9988]

Fun fact: There is a runestone in Uppland, Sweden that tells a story about a viking who travelled to 'Grikkland' and served under the emperor before he returned home. 'Grikkland' is the name the vikings gave the Byzantine Empire, hence why Greece in swedish today is 'Grekland'.

[@IpernickTheGreat]

Calling Sicily "Italy's most strategic Triangle" was enough to make me love the video

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

It had to be done

[@jonathantitterton9455]

Slight correction, the Varangian were the bodyguard to the Byzantine Throne and Imperial Family, the Hitaria were the bodyguard to the actual emperor. The Varangians were mercenaries who were paid 1.75 to 2.5lbs Gold and anything they could carry out of the imperial treasury (the Hitaria were sons of Byzantine nobles)

[@smexy_man]

Super video! I applauded for CA$2.00 👏

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Thank you so much!

[@lokalfubbick2376]

1:19 really hit different, huh.

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Haha! Are you Swedish?

[@lokalfubbick2376]

@@HistoryHouseProductions Hopefully not for long, i wish they would just give us back to Denmark already.

[@minnumseerrund]

Interesting post-Hastings fact: While the Varangians originally consisted of Norse and Slavic mercenaries, it would later have a huge influx of Anglo-Saxons after William the Conqueror and his French Totally-Christian Not-Vikings sent them packing

[@srsanders3]

He should have said “Czech? Check” that’s like the perfect opportunity

[@cgman9886]

Whhaaat u uploaded ! Its gonna be a good Sunday !

[@whatmane8515]

Yay he uploaded

[@jlhistory]

Great job! One of the best intros I’ve ever seen, I hope to get to your level soon 🙂

[@landenridings3209]

I missed you, History House Productions

[@grajki2918]

The Superbowl one had me dead

[@oliverrl2349]

Last time I was this early the Byzantine empire still owned Anatolia

[@sebastianpijov8708]

Then you arrived just in time

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

So that’s why we have Skype

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

It all makes sense now

[@kuev5373]

Actully Slavs ASKED vikings to rule them. It's says in Russian sources but it can be diffrent.

[@kuev5373]

@Atlas aït Amazal If you read Russian chronicales you woukd see that it says that Russians asked vikings but nobdy know how it actukky happend

[@kurzeanimation2487]

"Hey that guy looks Rich." "Make him a duke." ~Some Slavs probably.

[@yoghurtmaster1688]

@Atlas aït Amazal I mean slavs also didn't resists bulgar leadership so i doubt the rus would be any different

[@kuev5373]

@@kurzeanimation2487 I think it's really accurate that you said

[@barrett206]

Great vid glad to see more vids

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Thanks!

[@charlethemagne5466]

"Basils sister went to live in russia and 6000 bearded barbarians replaced her" I see no issues here, a transaction was made and everyone got what they wanted

[@aleksandarvil5718]

1:57 - 2:01 "300" Reference?!?

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

You got it

[@lukedanuser]

HHP: The most important triangle in history, Sicily Doritos: Am I a joke to you?

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Haha!

[@isaiahrogge]

Lmao definitely my favorite KZbin channel. He’s not afraid to say herald is a terrible name.

[@ΓεώργιοςΓαλανάκης-ν5ω]

Some of the Greeks still have a surname with the word Βαράγγος/Βαράνγκος contained, which means Varangian, because many of them preferred to stay in the Greek lands. Also, a Greek-Byzantine princess was incredible for these times to marry with a non-Greek, so that's why her "price" was so big. Also, considering that after that the Russians became more and more strong, along with Basil II, who made the strongest empire of late 10th and early 11th century. Because Basil was refusing to give his sister to the Russians, he demanded from Vladimir to baptize all the Russians in front of Basil and his officials

[@someguy7390]

This guy deserves way more subscribers

[@thecornseller]

The Super Bowl? Check. As a Vikings fan, that joke gave me a laugh, thank you

[@leogjolaj7394]

imagine doing a war over zoom

[@KingG02gb]

Wait,Harold died at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Man Roman Abramovich must be really proud

[@micheasz2552]

I wonder what will be the Endgame of History House Productions Universe....

[@7adiyo]

Another fun video HHP. Great work!!!

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Thank you!

[@iosiasaemilius2795]

"includes paid promotion" you know this guy is hustlin now

[@leopoldpferdmann6980]

I've been looking forward to this

[@randomkhmerperson]

Isn't Harald Hardrada that badass dude who got killed in the battle of Stanford Bridge during his invasion of England against Harold Godwinson

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Yep!

[@randomkhmerperson]

@@HistoryHouseProductions Didn't expect him to show up in Constantinople

[@trtyuiop]

How come you still have 70k subscribers you deserve more

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Thank you!

[@Andy_Babb]

9:25 fantastic 😂😂😂 well played

[@歴史語学]

WHY THE HELL IS THIS UNDERRATED

[@boborno]

I'm waiting for this guy to make a video about the Yugoslav wars

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

That would be a fun comment section on

[@yurisakovski1293]

Me and my mother we’re talking about this yesterday, talk about timing.

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

That’s funny!

[@RisXXX]

My mum and me today

[@danjudex2475]

Im surprised you didn't play doom music when the Bulgar Slayer was on screen

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

A missed opportunity for sure

[@dvsdvs2468]

That's one hell of a name that even the demon that i have summoned had a hard time.

[@UwU-xk5cx]

The normands fighting the varangians, “it takes a Viking to kill a Viking”

[@admiralsnackbar7689]

I love how early medieval European history is just the ancestors of Vikings killing each other.

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

That’s low key true

[@kuev5373]

We wait for your discord server history

[@trtyuiop]

Yep

[@historicallyaccurate2880]

Great Video Man

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!

[@ChIGuY-town22_]

"now I'm the captain": priceless.

[@nikolozgilles]

3:05 perfect XD

[@Artur_M.]

I was expecting some joke about Basil's royal nickname being the Bulgar Slayer, which is pretty metal in my humble opinion. Other than that great video mate, congratulations on becoming temporary British!

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Haha! Yeah, Basil’s nickname is pretty sick. I was originally gonna have a section on Basil’s campaigns with the Varangian guard, but I cut it to save time.

[@stanisawzokiewski707]

Amazing video. Just one thing. You called the Church of the Holy Sepulcher Seh-pull-cher but the h is silent so it is Seh-pull-ker

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Good to know

[@tag180rotax]

9:05 Casual reference to the apprentice lol

[@iamlazy6461]

Great video

[@rootbeerjunkie1325]

Awesome video!

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Thank you!

[@Newdivide]

This is Sparta!!

[@thedownfallparodist1145]

Good Video!

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Thank you!

[@Joe___schmoe]

The use of homeboy in this video is great

[@GoogleUserOne]

I know you secretly narrate other videos damn you

[@ΛεωνάνδροςΠεργαμενός]

I love your Channel man. :) Please make a video about the Fourth crusade.

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Thank you! The Fourth Crusade has been covered kinda a lot, but maybe some day I’ll make a video!

[@ΛεωνάνδροςΠεργαμενός]

@@HistoryHouseProductions i know, but your video are mutch more funny. Im also a big Byzantine fanboy, thats why i love your channel. :)

[@brother-mesho941]

this is so wholesome!

[@jonnmisini]

I love your channel im seriously in love! no homo

[@srfrg9707]

The varangian guard was very avant-garde for its time.

[@Rsyntax]

Can you please do more about the Byzantins

[@SappieLive]

Yay another upload!! Do you have a discord btw?¿

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Yeah, it’s in the description

[@arnavjha7375]

As usual Aswm video .

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Thanks!

[@biasedconfirmations]

Wow Mr. harold Hadradra voted 353 times in michigan, 245 times in Pennsylvania and 400 times in Nevada.

[@patrickmcglonejr8163]

Whats cool is the actual scandinavian translation for viking is : to adventure, or raid.

[@ServiServiServiServi]

Honestly this is always the best time of the month. Just the history

[@kuev5373]

CONNOR! SAVE YOUR DISCORD!

[@CNX625]

I can't be the only one who read Basil as "Baesil".

[@aleksandarvil5718]

**Immigrant by Led Zeppelin INTENSIFIES**

[@μιατρελητρεληφαρμα]

Kings and generals endorsed youuuu

[@stevieparis654]

Plot twist the Vikings were in Australia

[@oxiiislk]

Im using this as learning things for My homework 📚

[@useraccount1087]

9:00-9:27 freaking gold lmao

[@hiimryan2388]

He will make Byzantium great again!

[@SariwangKamao]

I've been coming here since Sam O'Nella ghosted.

[@communistcrab582]

I like all.of your videos I like your sick weapon videos the most hope u can do more:)

[@diantecastine7235]

The Vikings are the most underrated warriors in history

[@angrymonkeynoises]

You spelled overrated wrong

[@sebastianpijov8708]

They are being compared to samurai and knights, so underrated is the wrong term. Masters of Strategic warfare on the other hand, well they were able to conquer most of england without a fight, they looted Paris and yet were vassalised by the french king, and they founded Kievan Rus (supposedly).

[@Purgious]

9:00 That joke is going to age horribly

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

It had to be done tho

[@mustarddiver7281]

@@HistoryHouseProductions true

[@adelarios1458]

the zoom intro was funny

[@whyguy12]

That Vikings and super bowl really hits low but is kinda funny

[@warmian5192]

Wait Wait Wait, So Vikings fought the normans, who where former Vikings, in sicily?

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

True. I actually made a video on the Normans a while back

[@Artur_M.]

And latter they fought again but this time the Varangian Guard was full of new recruits - Anglo-Saxons fleeing England after the Norman conquest.

[@yoghurtmaster1688]

yes

[@warmian5192]

@@HistoryHouseProductions Damn who a hundred years before that could've guessed that an unknown people from scandinavia would fight themselves in one of the most strategic positions on the mediterranean between two of the mightiest armies in the mediterranean

[@KyleF841]

Why didn’t this pop up in my subscriptions...

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Did it not pop up at all?

[@KyleF841]

@@HistoryHouseProductions yes

[@sherik8383]

Nice video dude! Can you make a video about the Chechen wars next?

[@HistoryHouseProductions]

Maybe! That’d probably be tough one to do though haha

[@sherik8383]

@@HistoryHouseProductions yea it’s confusing with all the bearded Chechen dudes thought they were The ancient Rus!

[@mri127]

Can you do ethiopia wars in the 1800s? There’s are lots of cool things to see! Great video!

[@billyadaw7022]

So u want to tell me that thor actually just random guy form Scandinavia who fight in the middle of storm?