The Kostiantyn Ostrozky's Battles, as an Example of the Duchy's Reforms in Tactics

Borys Cherkas
Doctor of Historical Sciences (Dr. Hab. in History), Leading Research Fellow,
Institute of History of Ukraine of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Ukraine, Kyiv),
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orcid.org/0000-0002-4201-0659

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/ul2019.05.053 

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Abstract

Europe – the late Middle Ages. The heyday of the Renaissance begins. The continent is undergoing great changes. The military was greatly influenced by the new changes. First, technology development booming – the invention of gunpowder and firearms is gradually changing the armaments of the armies. Second, social transformation – in Europe, the number of free population increases and the crisis among to of the chivalry begins. Third, economic processes – the trade and the monetary system are booming, the cities are growing and the bourgeois economy is emerging. All this together creates the conditions for the emergence of a new type of the armed forces.

Gradually the main military force was the hired army. Moreover, infantry is gaining more and more influence. Before, for hundreds of years on the continent was ruled by a knightly-feudal militia. In battle, victory was achieved with a blow of a cold weapon. Maneuvering during combat was minimal. The head of the army was more of a leader than a real "general". Now the military leaders have a dilemma - how to manage old and new troops? Where to place infantry and cavalry during the battle? Where and how to put artillery? How to create and move carts (tabir) for transportation of gunpowder and other military equipment. And, most importantly, where to get money. Military leaders are increasingly paying attention to discipline - the first military charters are being written. All these problems were faced by Prince Kostіantyn Ostrozky. And Kostіantyn successfully solved these problems. The military life of Kostіantyn Ostrozky can be divided into two stages. Each stage personified the military doctrine dominated in Europe. So Ostrozky the activity as if illustrates those changes Europe underwented in military affairs. Volyn Army military operations that took part in the late 15th century looked like military force with knight arms. Ostrozky acted as a classic feudal leader in the first campaigns against the Moldovans, Tatars and Muscovites. He acts swiftly, decisively, he tries to destroy the enemy with at one stroke and win! However, the defeat in the Battle near the Vedrosha River and the captivity had a significant impact on Kostіantyn. Already during the war of 1507–1508 Ostrozky acted with caution. He wins by maneuvers. In the battles of 1512 and 1514, Ostrozky applies a new combat tactics. He uses and maneuvers infantry and cavalry and, importantly, skillfully uses the arquebuses's fire and artillery fire. Also 1513–1514 Ostrozky skillfully operates at the operational and strategic level. In 1527 was the last battle and victory of Kostіantyn. In the battle he combined maneuver and cavalry strike. I want to show in my article those elements of changes in tactics that Ostrozky applied during the battles.

 

Keywords

Gunpowder, firearms, the chivalry, military force, the battle, knight arms, arquebuses, artillery, maneuver, cavalry strike.

 

Archives

Archiwum Główny Akt Dawnych w Warszawie [The Central Archive of Ancient Documents in Warsaw].

 

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