ABSTRACT
Russia’s drive east in the sixteenth century put dread into the hearts of the many tribes dwelling about the Asiatic borders who saw their race and religion endangered. In the middle of the sixteenth century, the Tatar Khan sent envoys laden with gifts of sable and squirrel skins to congratulate the Tsar on his victories, imploring him to add Siberia to his realm and to defend all who were willing to pay tribute on the spot. The year 1581 saw Yermak’s historic invasion. He began as a highwayman, but, ere long, his gangs waxed strong in number, getting so notorious and troublesome that government troops found it necessary to act against them. Hailed as a great hero, Yermak then went with a body of Cossacks on yet another expedition in an endeavour to win even more lands for the Tsar.
