Abstract
Despite the romanticized image of a Cossack as a free mounted warrior living in the steppe serving under elected atamans, during the reign of Ivan IV (1533–1584) Muscovite “State Cossacks” lived in urban enclaves and fought under the command of government-appointed colonels. Most were infantry, but some were cavalry. Probably a majority fought with sabers, lances, and bows, but at least a sizeable minority used guns. During the 1570s, between 5,000 and 6,000 State Cossacks served in the Russian army. Probably the total was between 7,000 and 7,500, fewer than the number of musketeers.
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Cite this article
Charles J. Halperin, “Ivan IV’s State Cossacks,” The Journal of Military History 82, no. 2 (April 2018): 357–371.