History of the Cossacks
The history of the Cossacks concerns the development of semi autonomous, militarised communities that emerged in the steppe regions north of the Black and Caspian seas from the late medieval period onwards. Composed largely of fugitives, frontier settlers, adventurers, these groups distinctive socio political organizations characterised by elective leadership, military proficiency and a strong tradition of personal liberty over time the Cossacks played a significant role in the political and military affairs of Eastern Europe, particularly in relation to the Polish Lithuanian commonwealth, the Ottoman empire and the expanding Russian state.