During the medieval period Russia was a land of small competing states, resulting in many small wars between them. In addition invasions from both East and West had to be faced, with that of the Mongols being easily the most important. Facing such Steppe peoples inevitably meant Russian armies found the cavalry arm to be the most important, at least for part of the period, but of course the foot warrior continued to have a part to play.
Rus states were influenced by both East and West, but particularly after the Mongol invasion it was the East that was dominant, and that is well reflected in these figures. Helmets are either conical or dome-shaped, and there is much lamellar and mail armour on display – often both on the same figure, where a lamellar cuirass covers a suit of mail. Some quilted clothing is also to be seen, but plate armour is limited to a few pieces protecting joints or limbs. All this is perfectly authentic, as are the styles chosen for the various garments. The archer wears an interesting cap which covers one eye and which we could not confirm from any of our sources, although we have no reason to doubt its authenticity.
Inhoud doos:
- 44 figuren.
