Who are we?

The New Varangian Guard – Rusland Garrison, are a historical society dedicated to the reconstruction of the Byzantine Empire as it existed during its last great phase under the Komnenian Dynasty, before civil wars and barbarian invasions finally overran the capital of Constantinople in c.1204.

Rusland Garrison is a member club of the New Varangian Guard, and we participate in a wide array of medieval festivals, reenactments and historical events across Australia. At public events, we present an encamped Byzantine military unit as it may have looked while barracked in Constantinople. Our name is derived from the Varangian Guardsmen who journeyed to Constantinople across the river systems of Eastern Europe. These mercenaries came from northern Europe, the Eurasian Steppe, and from the lands of the Rus, all seeking lucrative employment in the army of the Byzantine Empire. While this practice had peaked in earlier centuries, mercenary bands still trickled into the Empire from the east during the closing days of the Komnenian Dynasty in the 12th century.

As such, in Rusland Garrison's camp you will find an eclectic mix of foreign troops, Byzantine professional soldiers, and provincial militiamen called up to service. Stationed at the gates of the City, our encampment is also home to Imperial bureaucrats and foreign dignitaries, noble ladies, clergymen, musicians, artisans, and many other camp followers from across the Empire.