Kulikovo 1380: The battle that made Russia

by Mark Galeotti, Darren Tan (Illustrator)

Overview

Using specially commissioned artwork, this is the engrossing story of the victory at Kulikovo in 1380 that heralded the birth of Russian statehood.

The 13th-century Mongol conquest of the Rus'—the principalities of Russia—was devastating and decisive. Cities were lain waste, new dynasties rose, and for a hundred years the Russians were under unquestioned foreign rule. However, the Mongols were conquerors rather than administrators and they chose to rule through subject princes. This allowed the Rurikid dynastic princes of Moscow to rise with unprecedented speed.

With the famed 'Mongol Yoke' loosening, Grand Prince Dmitri of Moscow saw in this an unparalleled opportunity and rebelled. On September 7 1380, his 60,000 troops crossed the Don to take the battle to Mamai's 125,000, which included Armenian and Cherkessk auxiliaries and Genoese mercenaries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472831217
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	02/19/2019
Series:	Campaign
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Professor Mark Galeotti, formerly senior lecturer in international history at Keele University, is Clinical Professor of Global Affairs, New York University. He is a former Foreign Office adviser on Russian security affairs, and for 15 years (1991–2006) wrote a monthly column on this for Jane's Intelligence Review. Mark's most recent books for Osprey are ELI 217 The Modern Russian Army 1992–2016 and ELI 197 Russian Security and Paramilitary Forces since 1991.

Born and raised in Malaysia, Darren Tan grew up drawing spaceships, dinosaurs and the stuff of his imagination, which was fuelled by movies and computer games. Following a brief stint in 3D animation, Darren now works as a freelance illustrator.

Table of Contents

Origins of the campaign /Chronology /Opposing commanders /Opposing armies /Orders of battle /Opposing plans /The campaign /Aftermath /The battlefields today /Further reading /Index

Editorial Reviews

"A]n in-depth look at the history basis for the foundation ‘myth’ of the Russian nation … Cinematic illustrations by Darren Tan bring the reader inside two of the battle’s dramatic episodes: the death of the “false Dmitry” (a decoy wearing the Russian commander’s armor) and the charge of the Russian ambush regiment. There is also a beautiful rendering of Mamai’s camp which includes depictions of the Mongols’ Genoese and Armenian allies." - Toy Soldier Model Figure

From the Publisher