RUSSIAN PEASANT LEVY IN WINTER DRESS

The military character of medieval Ruthenia was determined by the vast areas of Russian lands, as well as by the various types of enemies with which the troops of the Ruthenian princes had to contend. Of course, these warriors often fought on foot. In the 9th-10th centuries, as a result of very strong Wareska (Norman) influences, Russian foot warriors were relatively well armed - they had a sword, an iron helmet, a round shield, often put on chain mail, and in the eastern Ruthenian lands also lamellar armor. Of course, spears and javelins were also used. Of course, there were very large differences in armament between the rushed prince's party and the peasants called up for the expedition. At the time of interaction with the steppe peoples (mainly the Pechenegs), and later especially the Mongols (from the 13th century), among the Russian foot troops, a significant role was attached to the missile weapons - especially the bow. It is also worth adding that the Ruthenian armies were relatively numerous in the Middle Ages and to a large extent consisted of infantry. For example, in the Battle of Lake Peipus (1241), the Ruthenian army might have numbered around 15,000. people, and in the battle in Kulikowe Pole (1380), perhaps approx. 30 thousand. people.