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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1997
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1992-09-02
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Member of a widespread Swedish Viking people
in E Europe and the Balkans; more
particularly a member of the Byzantine
imperial guard founded 988 by Vladimir of
Kiev (955-1015), which lasted until the fall
of Constantinople 1453. From the late 11th
century, the Byzantine guard included English
and Norman mercenaries, as well as
Scandinavians. It was feared and respected as
an elite military force, and occasionally
dabbled in politics.