If you are not too conversant with your Eastern European history, let us give you a little background so that you can cheer for the side that suits you best…

The Kozaky-Polish War, also known as the Kozaky rebellion or Kozaky War of Independence, depending on whose side you’re on, began in 1648. It seemed like the typical Kozaky uprising but quickly turned into a war of the Ukrainian populace, particularly the Kozaky and peasants, against the nobles of the Polish Commonwealth.

The Kozaky War was an unfortunate but inevitable rebellion/revolution brought about by all the usual political, social, and geographic circumstances that bring about war.

From the Ukrainian side: This was a war of liberation from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; brought about by the oppression of the people by the rich landowners, who had made serfs of the peasant population, restricted religious freedom, and abused the ancient rights of the Kozaky.

 From the Polish side: This rebellion was just another uprising of the Kozaky, many of whom were themselves of Polish blood and tongue, and were also considered foreign oppressors by many Ukrainian peasants.  The rebellion was against the rightful Ukrainian lords who were the true ancient and native sons of the land.

 What is certain is there was a war that involved the whole of the Ukraine and a good deal of the south and east of Poland from 1648 to 1657.

 During this war, the population suffered terrible depredations. The Polish troops systematically killed Kozaky and peasants, while the rebels treated the nobles, Catholic clergy, and leaseholders (many of whom took the side of the Polish nobles) in a similar fashion.

The Battle Today:

The battle you are a part of will be fought by two sides, one Kosak (Cossack) and the other supporting the Poles. The story so far… A group of Polish noblemen and their families have fortified at Zobiana’s Tavern, where they will fight it out with the rebel forces in the area.

They have at their disposal, mercenary troops and artillery from the German wars. The rebel troops are made up of a Kosak troop and various peasants that have joined the cause. 

There will be no mercy, no quarter for these are enemies in all senses: class, religion, and politics!

Today’s battle will be fought primarily with cold steel, that is with sabres, rapiers, swords and daggers. This fighting will bedone in the form known as live blade; this means that the fighting is un-choreographed and fought with real replica weapons of the period – not fencing weapons! The result of the duels and the battle is open ended. When you see someone or one side win, they will have really have won!

There will also be firearms of the period using a mixture of matchlock, wheellock, doglock, and flintlock mechanisms.

For those that really want a thrill, there will also be cannon fire! We have obtained the use of one siege mortar, three field mounted falkonetts, and one fortress mounted falkonette, and a robbinett. That will be a lot of smoke, and noise, you have been warned!

We would like to introduce you to some of the groups and people…