Since EVERYONE attacks you, you are almost forced to expand or die. I ended up winning with over 90 turns left --I never even got to build any Varangian guard, which was the main reason I played. (and BTW, I HATE rushing --I'm an empire builder... but Byzantiam campaign just wouldn't allow it. I had to constantly expand to eliminate threats, and I had to always build economics to fund everything, thus no high-level city barracks)

I'd recommend finding that 'fix' that's on these forums, that fixes the 2-handed weapon fighters, making them more potent. You may also want to change the time settings, so you can actually enjoy the campaign --I wish I had.

Anyhow, I'm now playing/winning as my 4th faction, the Scots. At least now I'm able to hack my way through stuff thanks to Highlander Nobles... Just wish I could've done it with Varangians.