Istanbul-Miklagard

Istanbul is the greatest city of Turkey. The vikings called it Miklagard, meaning "the Great City" in Norse language. (Mikla=great, Gard=city.)

The city has been the capital for many great emperors through history. One thousand years ago, a lot of vikings served as guards for the emperor.

The Norwegian king Harald Hardraade ("Harold the Hard ruler") (1015-1066) served several years (1035-43) in the Emperor's army, and built up a fortune before he returned to be the King of Norway. His half brother Olav (995-1030), who also was King of Norway, had also served the Emperor.