Viking graffiti

Yes, Scandinavians made it all the way down to Constantinople in the 9th century.  At one point they tried to attack the city, but failed of course. 

Eventually the Vikings were able to make some profit off of the Byzantines by serving as personal bodyguards of the holy emperor himself.  Of course at other times they captured Byzantines and put them into slavery.  Thus is the life of a warrior mercenary. 

They left their mark in Constantinople in the oddest way.  Inside of a special set of marble doors on the upper level of Hagia Sophia is the place where the special church councils would meet.  On the railing overlooking the nave of Hagia Sophia is graffiti done in the Scandinavian runic script. 

 

Just goes to show, you just can't take those Vikings out anywhere.