As you may know, Hagia Sophia served the Byzantine Empire for many years as a sacred place of great importance. After the conquest of Istanbul, it was converted into a mosque, becoming one of the city's prominent landmarks.
Hagia Sophia has been an iconic symbol for centuries, and the peculiar markings on the marble, initially mistaken for natural imperfections, were later discovered to be deliberately inscribed. They revealed an astonishing revelation: in the ancient Viking language, the inscription read, "Halvdan was here."
The connection between the Byzantines and Vikings may seem surprising, but history shows that Vikings had significant interactions with the Anatolian region. They even engaged in trade with Arab communities, and a Viking ring with an inscription of Allah was discovered in a recent excavation, dating back 1200 years.
Vikings, renowned as formidable warriors from the 7th century onwards, sought new territories for settlement and plunder, eventually venturing southward. It is widely believed by historians that Vikings discovered the American continent centuries before Christopher Columbus.
Subsequently, Vikings conducted raids on England, establishing dominance through warfare and pillaging. They also exacted tribute from France. Another branch of Vikings, traversing from Northern Europe through Belarus and Ukraine, settled along the shores of the Black Sea, eventually giving rise to what we know today as Russia.
When Vikings reached the shores of the Black Sea, they encountered the magnificent city of Constantinople, or Istanbul. The city's grandeur and splendor captivated them.
Initially, the warrior nature of the Vikings led them to attempt an assault on Istanbul, but they were thwarted by the organized Byzantine Army and the formidable Greek Fire. Unlike other European communities, the Byzantines chose to negotiate with the Vikings and signed trade agreements.
According to the treaty between the Byzantines and Vikings, the latter were permitted to visit Constantinople for trade and exploration purposes, provided they were unarmed and solely engaged in commerce and leisure.
Both parties adhered to the agreement. Vikings were delighted with this arrangement. They explored the marvels of Istanbul, conducted prosperous trade, and indulged in the city's baths, immersing themselves in the grandeur of the metropolis.
The Vikings grew so fond of Istanbul that they bestowed upon it the name "Miklagard" in their own language, signifying "Great City."
Vikings, being warriors by nature, naturally found a place in the Byzantine army. Their prowess in battle brought them to the forefront, earning them the trust of the Emperor and leading to their elevation as his personal guard.
The first Byzantine Emperor believed to have employed Vikings in his army was Theophilos. The name "Varangian," derived from the old Norse language meaning "sworn men" or "those who gave their oath," was given to these Vikings who rose to the position of the Emperor's elite guard.
The Varangian Guard was an exclusive unit solely dedicated to serving the Byzantine Emperor. They remained steadfastly loyal, unswayed by the political intrigues within Byzantium.
Their allegiance was solely to the Emperor, regardless of who held the throne. This unwavering devotion set the Varangian Guard apart.
The Varangian Guard, alongside the Vikings, played a significant role in safeguarding the Byzantine Empire against various incursions until its final days.
Historical records indicate that Varangian Guards participated in the Battle of Manzikert, where the Turks managed to reach the Emperor only after defeating around 500 Vikings.
So, why did Halvdan carve his name in Hagia Sophia?
It is presumed that Halvdan, a Viking chieftain believed to have lived on a Scandinavian island, heard of the riches of Miklagard (Istanbul) and embarked on a long journey to become a mercenary there.
It is thought that Halvdan, deeply impressed by Istanbul, particularly wished to witness the interior of Hagia Sophia. As Vikings adhered to pagan beliefs, he likely grew restless during a Christian ceremony and, out of boredom, inscribed his name on the marble.
The ancient Viking inscription in Hagia Sophia, most likely an act of boredom, serves as a testament to Istanbul's ancient history and its enduring allure throughout the ages.
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