Peshtsy in Pskov (14th – Early 16th Century): Infantrymen as a Part of Urban Militia

This study discusses the role of infantrymen (peshtsy) in the military organization system of the Pskov Land in 14th – early 16th century The aim of the research is to determine the place of peshtsy in the structure of the Pskov militia, as well as to show the connection between the presence of infantry in it and the republican nature of medieval Pskov. Although infantry definitely was not the main kind of troops in Rus', there is evidence in chronicles demonstrates that infantry existed in different Russian lands. The tradition of gathering foot militia was preserved in the republican city-states of North-Western Rus', Novgorod and Pskov, in which it remained until the very end of their independence. Novgorod was able to field large cavalry forces, that is why its infantry did not have to participate in battles on a regular basis. In contrast, the Pskov Land, bordering Livonia and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, did not have enough resources to maintain a large number of horsemen. As a consequence, infantry, recruited from ordinary city-dwellers, became an integral part of the Pskov militia. Peshtsy participated in raids on the enemy territories, fought in the field outside the city walls and defended the fords across the Velikaya river. Besides, the Pskov infantrymen could embark the river vessels and participate in the campaigns separately from the mounted troops. In addition to its small cavalry forces, Pskov was able to raise numerous infantry, consisting of commoners. Like in the early communes of Northern and Central Italy, in Pskov all the city-dwellers were obliged to serve in urban militia as the members of the community: commoners fielded the infantry, while the elite fought on the horseback. Facing the lack of resources and being under threat of invasions, the Pskovites had to transform their military organization. Due to the republican nature of Pskov, the lack of cavalry was compensated with the infantry.