Medieval Russian Fortresses AD 862-1480

Medieval Russian Fortresses AD 862-1480
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Author: Konstantin S Nossov
Series: Fortress 61
Ref.#. 1 84603 093 5
Scale: N/A
Price: £11.50

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First Read

The time period examined starts from when the Slav tribes of modern Russia invited Scandinavian Princes to rule them and the subsequent unification of the Northern and Southern Russian lands, known as Kievan Rus’ and the eventual expansion of these territories. It continues through the 11th century and the eventual disintegration of Kievan Rus’ allowing for invasion by the Mongols. It ends with the rise of Moscow as the political center of Russia and the casting out of the Mongols.

Examined in depth are the Russian fortresses during these times. Discussed are how the earlier fortresses were designed to protect the expanding territories from attack by the nomadic enemies of the Pecheng, Torks and Polovtsy. As the political center fell, many of the fortifications fell into disrepair allowing for the Mongol hordes to invade and control principally the Southern and North-East territories. The advanced siege techniques of the East used by the Mongols were studied and lessons learned. At the same time the North Western Territories were in constant conflict with German, Swedish, and Lithuanian armies, from which European methods of siege warfare were learned. This would heavily influence the design of fortifications as well as the weaponry.

The bulk of the book examines in depth the types of fortifications used during these times. Many drawings, illustrations and photos of the fortresses today are used to help in understanding the design and feel of these fortifications.

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Content Layout

A short and succinct history of the time period is given in the introduction. This is followed by a chronology of major events during the period discussed.

This section begins with the types of fortified settlement clearly defining each type. The layout of fortified settlements follows, again defining various types. General trends during various time periods and the threats presented as well as territorial differences are discussed in depth. The Zmeivy Valy (Snake Ramparts) were built during the 10th and 11th centuries to protect against the Polovtsy nomad. These extended over 1,000 km, with over 800km of them still evident in the Ukraine today.

Each of the major parts of the fortifications (Ramparts, Ditches, Walls, Gates, and Towers) is analyzed. The types of materials and methods used to build them, dimensions, added defenses to each, and the evolution of each is discussed as well as when different parts would have been introduced to fortification building.

Most of the fortifications from this period were made of timber and earth. Consequently, most are gone with only the grass covered ramparts remaining. Only fortifications made with Masonry remain, and of these the sites of Tuvor’s gorodishche and Izborsk fortress, Porkhov fortress and Pskow are explored.

Life within the fortresses is explored, both during war and during peace.

The way fortresses were attacked is discussed, from the early period of sieges being rarely employed to sieges being common during conflict with the Mongols and Europeans. The weapons used to attack and defend the fortresses and the tactics employed is discussed with specific examples. How successful sieges were and how well the defense of the fortifications was is compared.

Discusses what happened to most fortifications and gives examples of ones that were updated over time, even to more recent times. The Zmievy Valy is used as an example that was used by the Soviets to help defend against the Germans almost 1,000 years after their construction.

The authors briefly described some of the better preserved sites that exist today. These range from modern Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland.

A bibliography and glossary are provided.

Conclusion

The text is very clear and gives an excellent overall view of the fortifications in Russia during the time period. The photographs are a mixture of color and black and white. The illustrations and drawings are well done. These along with the photographs compliment the text well and effectively help the reader visualize how the fortifications look.

An excellent book for those who want a nice reference on medieval Russian fortifications. The added bibliography is appreciated for anyone who wants to explore further. Highly recommended.

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