VIacheslav Shpakovsky is Assistant Professor and Chief Historical Scientist in the History Department of Penza University in Penza, Russia. He has written a number of articles on various aspects of Russian and military history for both academic journals and popular magazines in Russia. David Nicolle, born in 1944, worked in the BBC’s Arabic service for a number of years before gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a doctorate from Edinburgh University. He has written numerous books and articles on medieval and Islamic warfare, and has been a prolific author of Osprey titles for many years.Gerry Embleton has been a leading illustrator and researcher of historical costume since the 1970s, and has illustrated and written Osprey titles on a wide range of subjects over more than 20 years. He is an internationally respected authority on 15th and 18th century costumes in particular. His son Sam Embleton is also an illustrator and they have completed many joint projects for Osprey.

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• Introduction: origins – from Great Bulgaria to the Volga BulgarsConversion to Islam, in relation to Christian conversion of Russia and Jewish conversion of Khazaria ChronologyRise and survival of the Volga Bulgar state – freedom from Khazar dominationWars: Kievan Russia – the Mongol invasion and conquest – the Volga Bulgars under the Golden Horde – resistance to Novgorod From Volga Bulgaria to the Khanate of Kazan Arms and armour: swords and sabres – spears and javelins – battle-axes and maces – helmets – body armour – clothing Fortifications Siege warfare: siege machinery and firearms Aftermath Bibliography Plate commentariesIndex

VIacheslav Shpakovsky is Assistant Professor and Chief Historical Scientist in the History Department of Penza University in Penza, Russia. He has written a number of articles on various aspects of Russian and military history for both academic journals and popular magazines in Russia. David Nicolle, born in 1944, worked in the BBC’s Arabic service for a number of years before gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a doctorate from Edinburgh University. He has written numerous books and articles on medieval and Islamic warfare, and has been a prolific author of Osprey titles for many years.Gerry Embleton has been a leading illustrator and researcher of historical costume since the 1970s, and has illustrated and written Osprey titles on a wide range of subjects over more than 20 years. He is an internationally respected authority on 15th and 18th century costumes in particular. His son Sam Embleton is also an illustrator and they have completed many joint projects for Osprey.

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• Introduction: origins – from Great Bulgaria to the Volga BulgarsConversion to Islam, in relation to Christian conversion of Russia and Jewish conversion of Khazaria ChronologyRise and survival of the Volga Bulgar state – freedom from Khazar dominationWars: Kievan Russia – the Mongol invasion and conquest – the Volga Bulgars under the Golden Horde – resistance to Novgorod From Volga Bulgaria to the Khanate of Kazan Arms and armour: swords and sabres – spears and javelins – battle-axes and maces – helmets – body armour – clothing Fortifications Siege warfare: siege machinery and firearms Aftermath Bibliography Plate commentariesIndex

VIacheslav Shpakovsky is Assistant Professor and Chief Historical Scientist in the History Department of Penza University in Penza, Russia. He has written a number of articles on various aspects of Russian and military history for both academic journals and popular magazines in Russia. David Nicolle, born in 1944, worked in the BBC’s Arabic service for a number of years before gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a doctorate from Edinburgh University. He has written numerous books and articles on medieval and Islamic warfare, and has been a prolific author of Osprey titles for many years.Gerry Embleton has been a leading illustrator and researcher of historical costume since the 1970s, and has illustrated and written Osprey titles on a wide range of subjects over more than 20 years. He is an internationally respected authority on 15th and 18th century costumes in particular. His son Sam Embleton is also an illustrator and they have completed many joint projects for Osprey.

Select Guide Rating

• Introduction: origins – from Great Bulgaria to the Volga BulgarsConversion to Islam, in relation to Christian conversion of Russia and Jewish conversion of Khazaria ChronologyRise and survival of the Volga Bulgar state – freedom from Khazar dominationWars: Kievan Russia – the Mongol invasion and conquest – the Volga Bulgars under the Golden Horde – resistance to Novgorod From Volga Bulgaria to the Khanate of Kazan Arms and armour: swords and sabres – spears and javelins – battle-axes and maces – helmets – body armour – clothing Fortifications Siege warfare: siege machinery and firearms Aftermath Bibliography Plate commentariesIndex