What are the origins of the Sardaukar?

The Sardaukar play a pivotal role in the politics and warfare of Frank Herbert's Dune. But where do they come from and why are they so formidable?

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THE NEAR EAST
Sassanid Horse Archers :    • Units of History - Sassanid Horse Arc...  
The 10,000 Immortals :    • Units of History - The 10,000 Immorta...  

THE BYZANTINES
Byzantine Flamethrowers and Grenadiers :    • Units of History - Byzantine Flamethr...  
The Varangian Guard :    • Units of History - The Varangian Guar...  

THE GREEK WORLD
Macedonian Silver Shields :    • Units of History - The Macedonian Sil...  
Macedonian Companion Cavalry :    • Units of History - The Macedonian Com...  
The Spartan Skiritai :    • Units of History: The Skiritai - Spar...  
The Spartan Royal Guard :    • Units of History - The Spartan Royal ...  
The Sacred Band of Thebes :    • Units of History - The Sacred Band of...  
Mycenaean Chariots :    • Units of History - Mycenaean Chariots...  
Balearic Slingers :    • Units of History - The Balearic Sling...  

THE ROMANS
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THE NORTHMEN
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Viking Berserkers :    • Units of History - Viking Berserker D...  
Early Germanic Warriors :    • Units of History - Early Germanic War...  

THE EASTERN EUROPEANS
The Druzhina :    • Units of History: The Druzhina - Knig...  

THE AFRICANS
Nubian Archers :    • Units of History - Nubian Archers - L...  
The Sacred Band of Carthage :    • Units of History - The Sacred Band of...  
Carthaginian War Elephants :    • Units of History - Carthaginian War E...  
The Numidian Cavalry :    • Units of History - The Numidian Caval...