The sequence and localization of the the Cossack sitches: new approaches

Abstract

Based on the analysis of historical sources (primarily cartographic) with the involvement of modern GIS technologies, revise the established periodization and formulate your own order of military-administrative centers of the Zaporozhian Cossacks in the second quarter of the 17th – third quarter of the 18th century. Methods: general scientific (analysis and synthesis), special historical (cartographic). Geoinformation technologies (GIS technologies) were used to analyze the area, compare cartographic data with real geographical objects, and clarify the localization of Cossack fortifications. The scientific novelty consists in revising the established order of existence of the Zaporozhian Sich, which became possible due to the involvement of a wide range of cartographic materials and modern technologies. Main results: during the research work, the order of existence of the Zaporozhian Sich was rethought and proposed: 1) Romankivska (1635–1638); 2) Mykytynska (1638–1652); 3) Chortomlytska (1652–1709); 4) Stara Kamianska (1709–1711); 5) Oleshkivska (1711–1728); 6) Chortomlytska (1728–1730); 7) Nova Kamianska (1730–1733); 8) Yaskivska (1733–1735); 9) Pidpilnenska (1735–1775). Regarding other known Sichs (Khortytska, Tomakivska, Bazavlukska), the statement about their correspondence to the nomadic camp or about the mythical existence of their existence as a «Sich» was supported. The clarification of the location of the Mykytynska Sich, the proposal to introduce the hitherto unknown Yaskivska Sich into scientific circulation, as well as the definition of the division of the Kamianska Sich into two fortifications with different locations – the Stara and Nova Kamianska Sich, became important. Conclusions. A new reading of known sources, expansion of the cartographic base of the study, and the use of the latest methods make it possible to overcome stereotypical ideas about the Zaporozhian Sich, revealing unknown Cossack military centers and fortifications or clarifying knowledge about known ones. Discussions and deliberations of proposals will contribute to the demythologizing of the history of the Cossacks and a better understanding of it.