Discovering Vikings and Byzantines: Exploring the Varangian Guard, Architecture, and Runes

Core Skills Analysis

Art

• Elling learned about Byzantine architecture, focusing on design elements and stylistic influences.
• He explored how Viking culture influenced the art and architectural styles in Constantinople.
• The activity introduced him to historical art forms, linking cultural exchange to visual creativity.
• Understanding ancient architectural features enhanced his awareness of how historical contexts shape art.

English

• Elling practiced reading comprehension by engaging with historical text about the Varangian Guard.
• He expanded vocabulary with terms related to history, architecture, and Viking culture.
• Decoding runes into English letters strengthened his skills in pattern recognition and language translation.
• The exercise encouraged critical thinking by connecting symbolism (runes) to written communication.

History

• Elling learned about the Varangian Guard’s role in protecting the Byzantine Empire.
• He explored historical figures Harald Hardrada and Bolli Bollason, linking Viking history with Byzantine history.
• The activity introduced the concept of cultural exchange between Vikings and Byzantines.
• He gained awareness of the geographic and temporal context of the Byzantine Empire and Viking interactions.

Social Studies

• Elling understood the significance of how different cultures interacted and influenced one another.
• He learned about Viking societal roles, including as elite guards serving a foreign empire.
• The activity helped him appreciate the importance of cross-cultural relationships in shaping history.
• He explored systems of protection and governance within the Byzantine Empire through the Varangian Guard.

Tips

To deepen Elling’s understanding, consider hands-on projects such as building simple models or drawings of Byzantine architecture to visualize design influences. Encourage creative writing or storytelling from the perspective of a Varangian Guard to foster empathy and narrative skills. Explore further the Viking alphabet by creating a secret message or rune chart to understand how ancient people communicated. Visiting a museum with Viking or Byzantine artifacts or scheduling a virtual tour can broaden historical connections and personalize learning.

Book Recommendations

• Vikings: Voyage of Discovery by Melanie McGrath: A colorful and accessible introduction to Viking history and culture suitable for young readers.
• The Story of the Byzantine Empire by Lesley Sims: An illustrated overview of Byzantine history and culture with engaging storytelling.
• How to Read a Viking Rune by Liz Gogerly: A children’s book that explains the runic alphabet and includes fun decoding activities.

Learning Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.1: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.4: Identify words and phrases in a text that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.10: With prompting, read and comprehend informational texts appropriate for grade 1.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1: Participate in collaborative conversations about grade 1 topics and texts.

Try This Next

• Rune decoding worksheet where Elling can translate more English sentences into runes and vice versa.
• Drawing task to create a postcard illustrating Byzantine architecture with Viking design elements.