The Varangian Guard were employed by Greek Emperors as their personal guards from the 10th to the 14th Century.
Varangian Guards were mostly Vikings and were chosen for their excellent fighting skills and being almost impossible to bribe as they lived by the oaths they swore to their employer.
Viktor Vasnetsov, The Invitation of the Varangians: Rurik and his brothers arrive in Staraya Ladoga.
Varangian guard
