Byzantine Empire

A city of gold and high walls where Vikings trade steel for silk.

The Byzantine Empire stands as a distant, glittering power across the southern seas in the world of Vikings Valhalla. While the show primarily focuses on Norse lands and England, Constantinople represents the ultimate destination for warriors seeking gold beyond the reach of local kings. It is a realm of high walls, silk, and complex politics where Viking mercenaries find employment as elite guards. For characters like Harald Sigurdsson, this empire serves as both a proving ground and a source of immense wealth. The Byzantines are portrayed not merely as an enemy or ally, but as a sophisticated civilization that contrasts sharply with the rugged simplicity of Scandinavia. Their influence permeates the series through trade routes and the ambitions of those who return from their service.

Quick Facts

Key associated character: Harald Sigurdsson (Hardrada)
Primary location: Constantinople
Status: Active Background Power
First mentioned: Season 1

Lore & Background

In the lore of Valhalla, Constantinople is described as a place of wonder and danger. This connection highlights the global reach of Viking ambition. While Leif Erikson looks west toward Vinland, others look south toward the wealth of Rome and Greece. The Empire represents a different kind of power—bureaucratic, wealthy, and ancient—which challenges the Norse reliance on raiding and kinship. It offers an alternative path to kingship through accumulated coin rather than just bloodlines. The cultural clash is evident in how Vikings view the Byzantines: as rich but soft, yet dangerous when provoked. This relationship underscores the theme that the Viking world was never isolated, but deeply connected to the broader tapestry of medieval history.

Reader's Guide

The Byzantine Empire operates under the absolute authority of the Emperor, who rules from Constantinople. Their primary goal is maintaining stability and defending their borders against various threats, including Arab raiders and rival European powers. Unlike local levies, these guards are foreigners with no political ties to the city, making them trustworthy enforcers for the throne. Internal conflicts arise from the tension between native Greek elites and foreign mercenaries. The Empire often clashes with Scandinavian ambitions when Vikings seek to leverage their service for personal gain or trade dominance. In Valhalla, this dynamic is crucial for understanding Harald Sigurdsson's rise; his time here funds his return to Norway to claim the throne.

Did You Know?

The character of Jarl Estrid Haakon is entirely fictional, created specifically for the series with a backstory involving a Viking grandfather and a royal African grandmother who met in Alexandria.
The series depicts a trebuchet being used to defend Kattegat, despite historical records showing no reference to such weapons in Europe before 1187.
In the show's version of history, Aethelred II dies of natural causes while Vikings are at sea, whereas known history states he was forced into exile by Swein Forkbeard.