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Byzantine Frescoes of Saints George and Merkourios, Church of Aghios Yeorgios, Belisarama, Cappadocia, Turkey, 10th-11th century

St George dressed in the uniform of an Imperial Guardsman, in a 10th-11th century fresco from a Cappadocian church; compare with Plate B3. (in situ, Church of Aghios Yeorgios, Belisarama; author’s photo)

Rather more of the lower part of the Imperial Guard uniform survives in this fresco of St Merkourios from the same site. (in situ, Church of Aghios Yeorgios, Belisarama; author’s photo)

Source: p.34, Byzantine Imperial Guardsmen 925-1025: The Tághmata and Imperial Guard by Timothy Dawson

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by Giuseppe Rava

Plate B3: Macedonian Guardsman of the Méghalhe Etaireía The most loyal element of the Porphyrogenitus dynasty's 1,000-strong Vasilikê Etaireía were distinguished on special occasions by their precious silvered swords and gilded shields, and wore sashes of cloth of gold or silver. Note his highly decorated felt and leather armour, and, carried behind his shield, his single-bladed axe. The source for this Guardsman is the representation of St Merkourios from the Church of St George at Belisarama, Cappadocia. Source: pp.18-19, Byzantine Imperial Guardsmen 925-1025: The Tághmata and Imperial Guard by Timothy Dawson