Overcoming the Time of Troubles: The Decisive Battle
On November 4, the historical and educational project “The Feat of 1612. The Time for Heroes” transported visitors to Omsk Fortress back in time by four centuries. This was the third festival held on the Day of National Unity, and it proved even more large‑scale than before.
Following the spectacular battle reenactment, guests learned about the 17th‑century weapons and gear and took part in military skills workshops.
Demonstrating the Arms
The battle reenactment unfolds on the banks of the Irtysh River, offering a clear view for the audience
The organizers set up small buildings and planned several defensive lines
In terms of numbers, the forces of the Second Militia are outnumbered by the Polish‑Lithuanian troops
Among the invaders, you can spot dapper mercenaries from various European countries
They are the first to take part in demonstration firings for the spectators
Just one cannon shot remains to be demonstrated — then the combat can begin!
Decisive Battle
It all starts with a skirmish between small units
And now, the entire army of Hetman Khodkevich enters the battle
Within just a few minutes, the battlefield is shrouded in clouds of gunpowder smoke
17th‑century weapons require considerable time to reload
The hetman leads his men with a “ruthless approach”, counting on victory through sheer numbers
The onslaught is powerful, and the Russian forces are forced to retreat
The decisive clash begins near the ramparts of Earthen Town
This area, not far from the Kremlin, changed hands multiple times
Despite military setbacks, the militia managed to seize the initiative from the Poles
According to the eyewitness accounts, the battle was “very great and terribly fierce”
The reenactors fully captured the intensity of the fight
Even back then, artillery had the power to decide the outcome of the confrontation
The surviving troops of the hetman fled toward the border, and the Russians did not pursue them
This is roughly how the Battle for Moscow was depicted in old engravings
The glorious victory of the militia effectively sealed the end of the Time of Troubles
After the Smoke Clears
The battle performance traditionally ends with an “attack” by the enthusiastic spectators
Vasily Minin, commandant of the Omsk Fortress, shares his impressions of the event
Festival guests are invited to take photos with members of the historical clubs
One of the most important functions of such projects is education
By bringing history to life, you can spark interest much faster and more convincingly
These programs clearly illustrate the origins of the Day of National Unity
Spontaneous firing demonstrations continue on the riverbank — not all the gunpowder has been used up yet
Every year, more history enthusiasts from other regions come to Omsk
Even children are allowed to fire a shot — with all safety measures in place
The emotions are completely genuine: what the audience saw just half an hour ago simply cannot fail to impress
When else will you get the chance to borrow a matchlock musket from a serviceman?
The riverbank is gradually emptying: the action will continue inside the fortress grounds
Interactive Stations
Interactive stations introduce the basics of military skills
Here, pikemen are training in formation
An experienced instructor shows how to hold and thrust with a pike
Everyone manages to hit the target — though it takes some effort
Practicing the skill is exciting not just for guests, but for the reenactors themselves
It’s important to focus on the task and let yourself slip into that era
Archery duels are open to all visitors
If you’re struggling to shoot an arrow, an instructor is right nearby to help
Teens don’t need much guidance: the time allotted for the duel feels too short for them
A particularly complex branch of martial craft is artillery operation
Every cannon requires a crew of three, each with their own duties
The demonstration of preparing for a shot ends with a spectacular discharge
Thanks to the festival, reenactors from different clubs get to learn from each other
They’re also eager to share their knowledge with the younger generation
And everyone here agrees: a cultured person in the 21st century should understand history!
