The Operation of the Horse Stage Service in Siberia on the Eve of and During the Time of Troubles

The history of the yamskaya gonba (horse stage service) beyond the Urals in the late 16th–early 17th century was studied. The duties of the residents in the Verkhoturye, Turinsk, and Tyumen’ yams (post coach stations) are analyzed, the types and amounts of their provisions and benefits received from the state are established. It is concluded that the horse stage service functioned properly on the whole in Siberia during the Time of Troubles despite the deterioration of the material and legal situation of yamshchiks (coachmen) and the quality of land communications. It has played an important role in securing the region for Moscow.