Anglo-Saxon Warriors in Byzantium: A Connection Stranger than Fiction?
A new paper argues Anglo-Saxon warriors from the Sutton Hoo period may have fought in the Byzantine empire as mercenaries.
History is often stranger—and more exciting—than fiction. A recent study exploring connections between Anglo-Saxon Britain and the Byzantine Empire has brought new evidence that early medieval warriors from Britain may have served in Byzantine armies. This discovery reshapes our understanding of early medieval Europe and resonates deeply with themes in my novels, The Fell Deeds of Fate and the upcoming The Empress and Her Wolf. As a writer who loves blending history and imagination, I’m thrilled to see how this research validates my creative liberties in exploring these connections in my stories.
Let’s explore this study's fascinating findings, its historical context, and how it connects to the adventures of Hasting and his crew in my books.
Treasures in Anglo-Saxon Graves: Clues to a Byzantine Connection
The study begins with a mystery: How did exotic Byzantine artifacts—such as intricately crafted spoons, basins, and flagons—find their way into the graves of Anglo-Saxon elites? These items, unearthed in famous burial sites like Sutton Hoo and Prittlewell, are not only rare but seem to have been acquired directly in the Eastern Mediterranean. This raises the tantalizing possibility that the individuals buried in these graves might have traveled to Byzantium.
Take, for example, a copper-alloy flagon found in the Prittlewell grave. Decorated with imagery linked to the cult of St. Sergius in Syria, this object wasn’t a mass-produced export. Its presence in an Anglo-Saxon burial suggests it was brought back by someone who had been to the region. Similarly, a large silver spoon inscribed with Greek lettering and a basin thought to have originated in Egypt or Constantinople further support the idea of direct contact between Britain and the Byzantine world.
These artifacts offer more than just aesthetic value; they are tangible evidence of a far-reaching network that connected early medieval Britain to the Mediterranean. But who were the people who traveled such vast distances, and why did they make these journeys?
Anglo-Saxons in the Byzantine Military
The answer may lie in the Byzantine Empire’s military recruitment campaigns during the late 6th and early 7th centuries. At this time, the Byzantines were engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Sasanian Empire, a rivalry that stretched their resources thin. In response, the emperor launched large-scale recruitment efforts across Western Europe, enlisting warriors from Francia, Germania, and potentially even Britain.
These recruits may have served as elite cavalry, fighting on the empire’s northeastern frontier in places like Armenia and Syria. Known for their equestrian skills, these soldiers would have been well-equipped and well-paid, returning home with both wealth and stories of their adventures in one of the most powerful empires of the time. Historical accounts even hint at the presence of “Britons” in the Byzantine military, suggesting that Anglo-Saxon warriors might have joined this cosmopolitan force.
This idea aligns with the material evidence from Anglo-Saxon graves. The exotic goods found in these burials weren’t just rare—they were new when interred. This freshness suggests that the items weren’t passed down through generations or acquired secondhand but were brought back by individuals recently traveling to the Byzantine world.
A Cosmopolitan Equestrian Elite
The study also highlights the broader cultural context of early medieval Britain, portraying its equestrian elite as a remarkably cosmopolitan class. They were not isolated tribal leaders but influential figures with connections that spanned kingdoms and continents. Their graves, adorned with imported goods and equestrian symbols, reflect their status as part of a wider network of power and prestige.
This interconnectedness is evident in the exotic items buried with them and in the shared aesthetic and cultural practices across early medieval Britain. From the architecture of great hall complexes to the design of horse harnesses, these elites displayed a unified cultural idiom that connected them to the broader European and Mediterranean worlds.
Why This Study Matters
This study is more than just an academic finding—it’s a reminder of how interconnected the medieval world was. It challenges the notion of early medieval Britain as an isolated island on the fringes of Europe. Instead, it places it firmly within a network of cultural and military exchanges that spanned continents.
Connecting History to Fiction: Hasting and the Byzantines
As I read this study, I couldn’t help but think of my work. In The Empress and Her Wolf, I explore the theme of Viking warriors serving in the Byzantine Empire, focusing on Hasting and his crew navigating Constantinople's political and military complexities. While the historical Varangian Guard wasn’t formalized until the 10th century, I took creative liberties by imagining Hasting and his men as early mercenaries in the service of Empress Theodora during the 9th century.
At the time, I wondered if this was a bit of a stretch. But this study shows that Anglo-Saxons or other Northern Europeans serving Byzantium centuries earlier isn’t far-fetched. The evidence suggests that such exchanges were part of a long tradition, making my portrayal of Hasting’s adventures plausible and deeply rooted in historical possibility.
For me, this is one of the most exciting aspects of historical fiction: weaving together imagination and scholarship to bring the past to life. Hasting’s journey to Constantinople in The Fell Deeds of Fate and his service to Empress Theodora in The Empress and Her Wolf reflect his quest for redemption and the broader cultural and historical dynamics of the time.
As I continue to write about Hasting’s adventures, this study serves as both validation and inspiration. It shows that the themes I’ve explored in my novels—cultural exchange, personal ambition, and the bonds forged through shared experiences—are not just speculative fiction but reflections of historical realities. The Anglo-Saxon warriors who may have served Byzantium remind us that history is not a static collection of dates and facts but a dynamic, interconnected web of human experiences.
This is an exciting time for fans of history and historical fiction alike. As discoveries come to light, they deepen our understanding of the past and open up new possibilities for storytelling. Whether you’re uncovering artifacts in a burial mound or following Hasting’s adventures in Constantinople, the journey is always one of discovery and wonder.
So here’s to the shared adventure of history and fiction—and to the stories that connect us across time. Check out The Fell Deeds of Fate, available now:
