Kulikovo 1380: The battle that made Russia

Osprey Campaign #332

by Mark Galeotti, Darren Tan (Illustrator), Paul Kime (Cartographer)

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.

Genres: Russia, History, Military Fiction, Military History, Russian History, Medieval

96 pages, Paperback

Published February 19, 2019

Reviews

[Alexandru · Rating 4 out of 5]

A straightforward history of the battle of Kulikovo 1380 when an alliance of Russian princes led by Dimitri Donskoy faced the Golden Horde of Mamai.

Kulikovo is one of the greatest battles in Russian historiography and national mythology and Galeotti does fine work of separating the myth from reality. He even delves into the modern day nationalist cult built around the battle by the Orthodox church and Putin.

Like other Osprey works the book includes lovely historical reconstructions and paintings as well as detailed maps of the various moments of the battle.

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 3 out of 5]

674 - 2019

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only is this a very well done history of the battle and the issues surrounding it, but it is very timely considering how the current regime has been using this to elevate nationalism within the country for more than 15 years.

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly illustrated study of what many Russians consider to be the or at least a decisive moment in the formation of Russian identity. Galeotti provides insights into the forces, actions, and meaning of this fascinating battle.

[Hunter Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read and thorough examination of the battle of Kulikovo. Enjoyed the diagrams and strategy examination as well as the larger impact on the Mongol-Russian relationship.

[James Livermore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic review of this battle with a well-written historical placing (discussing the before and after effects).

[Paul A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent addition to Osprey's "Campaign" series, in that the author takes great care in placing the battle solidly in the context preceding and after the actual event. He provides a good overview of the different forces, the events that occurred during the battle, as well as the consequences and modern conception of Kulikovo in Russia. Overall, a very well written entry in the series with some fantastic illustrations and selected pictures.