DBA Armies

This list covers the Cumans (or Kipchaks) from their first appearance on the borders of Kievan Russia. They originated as an off-shoot either of the Ghuzz or Kimaks. Starting north-east of the Caspian Sea, they rapidly advanced west, conquering most of the Pechenegs and pushing the remainder before them. In 1068 they defeated the southern Russian princedoms. By 1090 they were established on the Danube. They were then bordered to the north by Russia and the Volga Bulgars, to the south by the Byzantines and Alans and to the west by Hungary. In 1091, 40,000 Cumans combined with a Byzantine Army under Alexios | Komnenos to defeat a larger Pecheneg army, but sneaked off during the following night in fear of Byzantine treachery. They are best known under the alternative name of “Polovtsy” as the stars of Borodin’s opera “Prince Igor”, but I cannot resist mentioning a leader variously called “Bonyak the Scabby”, “Bonyak the Godless” and “Bonyak, that god-less mangy thief and bandit who broke his lance on the gate of Kiev”. The Cumans were crushed by a Mongol invasion force sent by Ghengis Khan in 1221 and mainly absorbed into Hungary and Russia, the last independent remnants being finished off by Timur. Most Cumans fought as horse archers, but (possibly Russian-influenced) nobles were also noted throwers of javelins carried 3 in a quiver and at least Bonyak had a lance. Clothing was boots, trousers, a long under-tunic split at the back, a kaftan, a short over-tunic, a cloak and a cap. Materials were wool, brocade, fur, linen, silk or leather, of which the colour, embroidery and fur trim depended on wealth and social status. Short armour corslets also depended on status and could be scale, mail, lamellar, leather or quilted-fabric. Reference: Annies of Feudal Europe 1. Heath.