Trade and commercial occupations and duties of South Russian cannoneers in the 17th century (based on the Belgorod trait region fortresses materials)

Importance. The importance of the chosen topic is due to the fact that a complete and in-depth research of the Russian history of the 17th century is impossible without regional history research and, in particular, such an important component of it as the history of provincial society research, including issues related to trade and trade occupations and duties of the local population. In this regard, the trade and commercial occupations and duties of the South of Russia society military population one of groups – cannoneers were investigated. Cannoneers in the southern Russian cities were a rather small group of military “instrument” people who serviced the artillery. The purpose of the research is to consider issues related to trade and trade occupations and duties of South Russian cannoneers in the 17th century.Research methods. The methodological basis of the research is based on the following general historical principles and methods: principle of historicism, principle of objectivity, comparative-istorical method, historical-typological method, statistical method. In general, the work is based on the use of problem-chronological and system methods, which allows to consider events within a single general historical context. The work is based on an archival and published sources wide range.Results and Discussion. The trade and commercial activity of South Russian cannoneers in the 17th century is considered, also their significant role in trade in the first half of the 17th century is revealed. The main taxes and duties of the South Russian gunners in the 17th century and the facts of commanders unofficial oppression are also studied.Conclusion. A feature of the Southern Russian cities was the active participation of serving people, including cannoneers, in trade and commercial occupations. The most significant role in the local southern trade was played by military people (including people of the cannoneer rank) in the first half of the 17th century. But this situation is changing in the second half of the century. The changes were associated with the adoption of the Council Ordinance of 1649, which abolished the benefits of military people in the field of trade, and therefore their importance in trade decreased somewhat. The number of taxes and duties of South Russian cannoneers was quite significant. In addition, the cannoneers were often subjected to commanders unofficial oppression.