Quote Originally Posted by Celtic_Winter
The cossacks, post to be updated.
Cossacks-

Ukranian sich Cossack-
The Ukranian cossack, Unlike the other Cossacks, dosnt carry a spear but a sword and a bow. Good for tactical attacks on enemy flanks.

Don Cossack-
Not as powerful as the Ukranian Sich Cossack, the Don Cossack uses a spear and is not as heavily armored. Good for melee cavalry attacks.
Two points:
1. Cossacks Cavalry didn't carry missile wepon in battle, usually (both pike and sabre were often used though). Instead, Cossack Infantry is famous for it (Cossack Musketeers together w/ Janissaries were the best in the region).

2. No sizeable body of Cossacks existed to form Don Cossacks before mid 18th century. Also, they were same Sitch Cossacks who migrated there.

Also, word Cossack has many versions of origin, free man just seem to romantized to be true -- most likely it's Turkik for rogue/brihand.

PS Before you ask: no, I didn't base my statement on the game "Cossack", the game just seems to be quite accurate ;)