"The Uskoks." Topic

"With the current wargaming interest in pirates a discussion in Ren-List inspired me to take a closer look at some European ‘pirates' who in the 16th and early 17th century had a reputation just as terrible as the Buccaneers of the West Indies – the Uskoks.

The name Uskok comes from a verb meaning ‘to leap over' and originally referred to men who rejected Ottoman rule and crossed over to Christian lands. They originated in the fortress of Klis which guarded the pass above the port of Split around 1532. After an heroic defence, the death of their leader Petar Kruzic caused them to capitulate to the Ottoman besiegers. They were allowed to withdraw and moved north settling in the Dalmatian port of Senj around 1537. Then in Hapsburg hands since 1526.

The Uskoks at War

Despite having no seafaring tradition they soon became skilled seamen and continued to harass the Ottomans on sea and land. They controlled the Kvarner Gulf and raided as far south as Dubrovnik. Allies on the islands informed them of ship movements. They were so effective that the Ottomans retaliated by raiding over the Sava River leading to the Hapsburg-Ottoman war of 1593-1606…"

See here
link

Amicalement
Armand

Some illustrations of Uskok leaders:
Capo Di Evscocchi (Leader of Uskoks), by Cesare Vecellio, 1590 The Dalmation Schiavone may also be an Uskok or a Venetian marine.
Effigy of Ivan Lenkovic, General of Uskoks, Croatia, 1569

Druzhina
Illustrations of Hungarian Costume & Soldiers

Many thanks Druzhina!!

Amicalement
Armand

"Never Mind The Uzkoks"