LITHUANIAN TATARS(1-ST HALF OF THE 17TH CENTURY)

The Tatars are essentially Turkish peoples who settled in eastern Europe and northern Asia. From the fourteenth century on, they largely embraced Sunni Islam as their religion. The military character of the Tatars was based primarily on the use of light cavalry, speed of action and deception. Until the end of the 15th century, the Tatars used protective equipment on a large scale (especially lamellar armor), reflex bows and sabers. They were also able to put on a heavy ride. With time, however (in the 16th and 17th centuries), their armament was significantly simplified and impoverished. First of all, only the wealthy were able to afford a recurrent bow (with a significant penetrating power) or a saber. On the other hand, arcana and the so-called buttermilk (bunches). Due to the relatively poor armament, the Tatar cavalry avoided clashes with regular troops in the open field and focused on looting, looting and jasyr. However, when she was forced to fight - she fought bravely and with great ferocity. She also used skillfully simulated escapes and maneuvers on the enemy's wings.