The Russian Alternative to Pike and Shot Warfare: Guliai-Gorod ("Wandering Town")

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The Tsardom of Russia had a very effective alternative to pike and shot warfare. In 16th-century Western Europe, pikemen defended musketeers and arquebusiers against attacks by cavalry and infantry. However, Russian armies never heavily relied on pikes. Instead, they used “wandering towns” known as Guliai-Gorod to protect their shot units. Guliai-Gorod were mobile field fortifications that provided cover for infantry and artillery and prevented enemy cavalry from charging into the Russian ranks. These mobile fortresses proved particularly effective against the Tartar hordes that dominated the steppes in the south of the Tsardom but were also effective against western pike and shot tactics. In this video, we’ll investigate this eastern alternative to pike and shot warfare and examine how they were used in battle.

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