Varangian Guard T-Shirt | Vikings of Constantinople, Miklagard Graphic

Hundreds of years ago, one of the most feared bodyguards in Europe was made up of Scandinavians. The Varangian Guard served the Byzantine emperors in Constantinople, which the Norse called Miklagard, “the Great City.” It was founded around 988 AD, and its warriors were famous for their long-hafted axes and for their loyalty to the emperor.

This t-shirt shows the journey on a single chest print, from Birka to Miklagard. A Viking longship sails toward the walls and domes of Constantinople, with crossed axes at the center and a Byzantine crest above them. Norse knotwork dragons coil around the edges, and a banner at the bottom reads “Expedition,” with the two ports marked on a dotted route. The warm gold and red against black give it the look of an old expedition emblem.

The shirt is 100% combed cotton in a 5.3 oz heavyweight weave. It’s pre-shrunk, with a regular fit, a ribbed crew neck, side seams, double-needle stitching on the sleeves and hem, and shoulder-to-shoulder taping. It comes in black, in sizes XS–3XL.

It suits readers of Viking and Byzantine history, fans of Harald Hardrada, who served in the Guard before he became king of Norway, and anyone who likes the unexpected places where Norse and Roman history meet. For more, browse Viking-inspired designs and more or pieces from other chapters of history.