"The Zaporozhian Cossack Battle at Korsun " Topic

"In the mid 17th century unrest in the steppes of Ukraine was on the rise. The Polish-Lithuanian empire dominated an area from Warsaw to Moscow, and the Ukrainians were tired of their exploitation and abuse. At the little town of Korsun, virtually in the middle of nowhere, an army of Zaporozhian Cossacks supported by Crimean Tatars overwhelmed a Polish army sent to crush them, and started a revolutionary fire that would sweep across the steppes and make Ukraine a nation.

The Zaporozhian Cossacks were not your typical disorganized horde or "cannon fodder" as described during Napoleonഩme. These Cossacks were defined by their horsemanship, proficiency with the saber and their level of organization during time of oppression. An analogy could be made between the Zaporozhian Cossacks and the American Indians. They knew the terrain, and how to use it to ambush or evade their enemies. They were very religious in there belief in God. The Zaporozhian෥re known for their exceptional honesty. "According to the Catholic priest Kitovich, in the Zaporozhian Sich "(meaning-"clearing beyond the rapids") one could leave his money out in the street, not worrying that it would be stolen".(1) With this reputation, itயt surprising that the Polish crown hired them to maintain order within the vast open spaces of the Ukrainian steppes.

The weaponry of the Zaporozhian࣯nsisted of mainly muskets, swords and knives-often acquired from raids on traveling caravans between the Tatars and Turks or between Polish regions. The Zaporozhian musket did not have a bayonet, so a five-foot lance was also carried. Cannons were of small caliber and portable enough that they can be carried by horses within the army. Both wheels and the cannon itself could be easily mounted on the backs of horses and carried to battle with ease. The typical cannon in those days would cost the Zaporozhian Cossack 442 head of cattle and one cannon ball with powder a mere 9 heads of cattle. So, purchases of such magnitude would typically be done by other means such as gold, food or trade of nobleman from raids. It would be very difficult to herd some 4,500 cattle to a stronghold for an exchange of 10 cannons and munitions…."
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Amicalement
Armand

Nice

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand