In the 16th century the introduction of gunpowder and firearms made the medieval armoured cavalry obsolete. The standing army of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was gradually converted to other, more modern forms of cavalry. Under eastern influence, the cavalrymen's armament was lightened and their speed and mobility increased. This contributed to the successes of the Polish cavalry in numerous wars against the Tsardom of Russia, Ottomans and Tartars. The 16th century saw the creation of lighter cavalry known as Kozacy (singular Kozak hence 'towarzysz kozacki'). Their offensive armament included a shorter 'demi-lance' (dzida) or rohatyna, bow and arrows, a war-ax, and a sabre in the 16th century and a pistol or two and a carbine in the 17th century. These miniatures can also be fielded as Cossacks as this was anumbrella term used to refer to light cavalry troops, even if the soldiers were Polish and not ethnic Cossacks. It is somewhat confusing as the term Cossack was used in different contexts, including in forces that rebelled and fought against the Poles.
