The first illustrated encyclopedia of military affairs of Ancient Rus' - from the birth of the Russian state to its heyday in the 11th century. Everything about military training and combat use of princely squads and people's militia. Comprehensive information about the defensive and offensive weapons of the Russian “braves”, their way of life, gods and sacrifices, enemies and allies, shooting training and hand-to-hand combat skills, campaigns and sieges, single combats and massacres, both land and sea. Who provided greater influence on the military art of Ancient Rus' - the Varangians or the steppe peoples? How did the Russian infantry and cavalry interact on the battlefield, what tactics did they use? What is known for certain about the “indestructible formation” of Russian armies (remember, in “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign” “brave Russians blocked the field with scarlet shields”) in comparison with the Hellenic phalanx, the battle formations of the Roman legions and the Scandinavian “wall of shields”? How did our warlike ancestors fight, die and win, what did they believe in, who did they pray to, why did they go to their death, gaining immortal glory? In this book you will find answers to all these questions. A colorful collector's edition on premium coated paper illustrated with hundreds of paintings, drawings and reconstruction photographs.