Points of Russia: Exploring the Land of the Tsars

Examining the Role of the Cossacks in Russian History The Cossacks are one of the most distinct and influential cultures in Russian history. Their unique way of life has shaped the history of the Russian Empire and the modern Russian state. In this article, we explore the evolution of the Cossacks, their prominent role in Russian history and their impact on Russian culture. The Cossacks are a unique group of Slavic people that began forming in the 15th century in southern and eastern Ukraine. They embraced a nomadic lifestyle, living as small communities in tents and on rafts as they travelled along the great rivers of Europe, seeking new homes and opportunities. The Cossacks adopted a strong code of honor and justice, as well as a fierce loyalty to each other. Throughout their history, they remained fiercely independent and repulsed attempts to control their lives. Daniil Silantev @ Unsplash The Cossacks were enormously influential in the expansio...

Tracking Changes in the Russian Military Russia has always had a strong military presence, dating back to the times of the Romanov tsars. As the country has faced dramatic changes over the centuries, its military has had to develop and evolve in order to ensure national security. Today, the Russian armed forces are among the most capable and advanced in the world. Let's take a closer look at the history of the Russian military and how it has evolved over time. The earliest form of the Russian military can be traced back to the Kievan Rus in the 9th century. It is believed that the Kievan Rus adopted its military ideology from the Byzantine Empire, which valued discipline and hierarchy. From this formation, the Kievan Rus began to form a standing army and military tactics. In the 17th century, Tsar Peter the Great transformed the military from its primitive form and began to create a more organized and professional fighting force. The result was the Russian Imperial Army, which was...