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Olgerd from BL YT 51, f. 22 - Public domain medieval manuscript
Summary
Miniature of Olgerd, having collected an army of Lithuanians, Varangians, and 'Zhamoti,' hastening to the aid of Tsar Mamai. Image taken from f. 22 of Skazanie o Mamaevom Poboishche (the Tale of the Rout of Mamai). Written in Russian Church Slavonic.
Henry Yates Thompson (1838-1928) was a British collector and philanthropist who assembled this remarkable collection over his lifetime. The collection is now housed at the British Library in London.
Henry Yates Thompson was born into a wealthy family in 1838. Thompson began collecting manuscripts and other items in the 1870s. His collection quickly gained recognition for its exceptional quality and breadth. He had a keen eye for illuminated manuscripts, which are manuscripts decorated with intricate illustrations and calligraphy. The collection has a particular emphasis on medieval manuscripts.
The Varangian Guard was an elite unit of the Byzantine Empire's army, consisting of Scandinavian warriors known as Varangians. The Guard was formed in the late 10th century and served as the personal bodyguards of the Byzantine Emperors. The Varangians were originally recruited from the Norsemen, mainly from Sweden and Denmark, but later included warriors from other regions such as Norway and Iceland. They were known for their exceptional fighting skills, loyalty and fierce reputation in battle. The main role of the Varangian Guard was to protect the Emperor and his family and to serve as an elite fighting force during military campaigns. They were highly regarded for their combat skills, especially in close combat and naval warfare. The Varangian Guard played a significant role in Byzantine history, taking part in numerous battles and campaigns. They were involved in the defence of the Empire against various enemies, including Arab forces, Bulgarian armies and Norman invaders. They also took part in Byzantine military expeditions, such as the reconquest of Sicily and southern Italy. In addition to their military duties, the Varangian Guard also served as a symbol of prestige and power for the Byzantine emperors. Their distinctive appearance, with Scandinavian-style weapons and armour, added to their aura of strength and authority. Over time, the composition of the Varangian Guard changed, with recruits coming from different regions and backgrounds. However, they remained an important and respected force within the Byzantine Empire until its decline and eventual fall in 1453. Today, the Varangian Guard is often romanticized and remains a popular subject in historical fiction and popular culture. Their reputation as fearsome warriors has made them an enduring symbol of the military might of the Byzantine Empire.
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