Zvezda 8001 Russian knights XIII-XIV AD

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 armies of the Ruthenian princes (princes) had to contend. Of course, the cavalry played an enormous role in the Russian military of the middle ages. Already in the 9th-10th centuries, a team was formed alongside the princes - a similar situation also took place in early Piast Poland. This team was made up of warriors on the prince's wages, who were well-trained and often fought on horseback. In the 9th-10th centuries, they were most often armed with a spear, sword, chain mail, an iron helmet and a shield. They also used battle axes. It is worth adding that the institution of the team also existed in the Ruthenian lands at the beginning of the 13th century. The teams of individual princes could then count up to 3-5 thousand people. In the period before the battle on the Kałka River (1223), the distinguishing feature of Ruthenian horse warriors was the use of full face shields, and often the use of decorated so-called face masks of iron. The basic defensive armor is chain mail, often with light lamellar armor. It is worth adding that in Rus, lamellar and caracen armor spread from the 13th century. The primary offensive weapons are a sword and a spear. It is worth adding that in the principalities of south-eastern Rus, horse armor is often used - mainly to protect the horse's head. It is also worth adding that the Ruthenian armies were relatively numerous in the Middle Ages. 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.