[Adapted by the Polonia Media Network from http://www.husaria.us 

OVERVIEW

Suligowski’s Regiment of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth is a reenactment group portraying the famous winged hussars of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, circa the Battle of Vienna, 1683. It is its intent to educate the public about the history and culture of Poland at various events by demonstrating the clothing, equipment, and lifestyle in a hands-on exhibit.

The group takes pride in its portrayal. Its ranks are supported by some of the foremost historians in the field, and it has been recognized as trailblazers in its portrayals. It was the first group in the United States to promote serious, historically accurate re-enactment of the winged hussar, setting the stage and standard for like-minded brethren across the country.

The regiment takes pride in Poland. Although it is dedicated to a 17th Century timeframe, the reenactors are well versed in Polish history, and are frequently asked questions ranging from ancient Slavic history to Polish involvement in the Crusades to World War II and Polish events. If they know the answer to a question, they gladly share. If not, they are happy to research the answer.

Many other reenactment groups have a tradition of starting new members as a slave or servant or some such thing: over time, a new member can work his or her way up through the ranks. Suligowski’s Regiment of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, in contrast, bases its structure in the traditional manner of Polish nobility. You are "panie bracie," ["my lord brother."] Women enjoy equal status in the group.

HISTORICAL BASICS

Ask the average person to name an event that took place during the1600s, and you are likely to get a blank stare. However, one of the western world’s most important events took place in 1683, when a powerful Ottoman army advanced into Europe. Already having conquered Hungary and Transylvania, 138,000 Ottomans laid siege to the city of Vienna, the gateway to continental Europe. About 11,000 troops and 5,000 volunteers declared that they would defend the city to the last man. For almost two months, they held out against the Turkish onslaught, suffering severe casualties as the Turks breached the outer walls of Vienna, digging tunnels and filling them with gunpowder.

Enter Jan III Sobieski, King of Poland, and the husaria [winged hussars]. As the battered Austrians prepared to fight in the streets of Vienna, Sobieski led a relief force of 30,000 Poles, 18,500 Austrians, 19,000 Franconian, Bavarian, and Swabian troops, and 9,000 Saxons. The Turks attacked the relief force, resulting in 12 hours of intense infantry combat before Sobieski saw that the time was right to break the back of the Turkish force. Sobieski led a charge of 20,000 Polish and German cavalry, the largest cavalry charge in recorded history, with Sobieski and 3,000 winged hussars at the head of the charge. The Turkish lines crumbled, and the hussars pressed into the Turkish camps as the elated remaining defenders of Vienna poured out of the city, finally on the offensive.

The Turks retreated and abandoned their attempts to conquer Europe. Sobieski, ever the statesman, declared, "Veni, vidi, Deus vicit" ["I came, I saw, God conquered."]

Few Americans, including those of Polish ancestry, are aware that the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was once among the greatest nations on earth. In addition to Poland and Lithuania, it incorporated lands in present day Belarus, Romania, Moldova, Austria, Latvia, Estonia, and Russia. A vassal state, the Duchy of Courland, even established colonies in the Caribbean and Africa. The armies of the Commonwealth, led by the legendary husaria, were a dominant force and became the basis for western cavalry. A modern democracy, even Kings were elected. Refugees from religious and cultural persecution were welcomed, and it was not uncommon to see Christian churches side by side with Jewish temples and Islamic mosques in major cities. In a time when the Reformation and Counter-Reformation resulted in the deaths of countless "heretics," the Commonwealth was a sanctuary and forum in which theologians could debate without bloodshed.

The Commonwealth collapsed for various reasons, not the least of which included the election of Kings not entirely dedicated to its welfare. The deputies in the Sejm, the legislative body, squabbled among themselves for personal gain, paralyzing the Commonwealth’s defenses. With Russian soldiers inviting themselves into the Commonwealth as "friendly protectors," the Sejm was forced to vote for policies re-enforcing foreign interests, eventually resulting in the Commonwealth’s dissolution. It ceased to exist in 1795, when all of Poland was swallowed by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Poland and Lithuania did not regain independence until the close of World War I in 1918.