Runic graffiti in the Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia recognized in the 1960’s is believed to have been carved in the 11th century or earlier by Viking mercenaries.

    The only legible part of the carved inscription is the name Halfdan (or Halvdan), but some scholars believe the carving originally read “Halfdan carved these runes”. Or the Viking Age equivalent of “Halfdan was here”.

    Several other pieces of graffiti in the Hagia Sophia are also attributed to Norsemen.

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Runic graffiti in the Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia recognized in the 1960’s is believed to have been carved in the 11th century or earlier by Viking mercenaries. The only legible part of the carved inscription is the name Halfdan (or Halvdan), but some scholars believe the carving originally read “Halfdan carved these runes”. Or the Viking Age equivalent of “Halfdan was here”. Several other pieces of graffiti in the Hagia Sophia are also attributed to Norsemen.
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