The exhibition hall “Rus and Horde Warfare” explores the development of military tactics and the evolution of weapons during the era of the Battle of Kulikovo. The visitor will find out how Russian and Horde warriors fought, and get acquainted with the impressive capabilities of weapons, the protective properties of armor, and the tactics and strategies used in battles.
The era of the Battle of Kulikovo marked the pinnacle of heavy medieval armament, essential for equipping the heavy cavalry, which served as the primary offensive force at the time. Both the Russian and Mongol armies utilized plate armor and chain mail. Melee and ranged weapons were designed specifically to penetrate this type of defenses.
By the end of the 14th century, Russian voivodes had devised effective strategies to counter the steppe warfare tactics. The combat formations and tactics used in the Battle of Kulikovo were largely consistent with European military trends of the time, incorporating the use of a vanguard, main force, and rearguard. The formations typically consisted of three primary divisions along the front, with specialized units deployed for reserve and ambush purposes. The primary focus of combat operations during field battles at this time was on cavalry engagements between opposing forces.
To further enhance the
experience, the Kulikovo Field State Museum-Reserve offers a unique program of
scientific experiments. Visitors can witness the testing of the historical
reconstructions of armor and weaponry in combat conditions.
Exhibits are marked with AR stickers for identification purposes.
