With the death of Alexius I in 1118, the only remaining guard unit was the Varangians, these were axe-armed infantry who where part of the imperial household and were established to protect the emperor. During John V reign this consisted of just 500 men. The existence of of the Varangian Guard is still recorded in 1404, and it is not impossible that the unit survived until the very end of the empire. However, it has been suggested that in the 15th century its duties may have been passed to a Cretan guard unit, the existence of which is recorded in 1422.