While meeting young scientists at the Museum of Modern History, President Vladimir Putin got interested in Leonid Bobrov鈥檚 research on the weapons used by inhabitants of Central and Southern Siberia in XIV-XIX centuries. The president took advantage of the meeting to learn more about medieval weaponry and body armor and to find an original ancient helmet for the Kremlin Armory.
Vladimir Putin paid special attention to the presentation of a young DSc in History from NSU, Leonid Bobrov (34). He asked if Leonid was an expert on the development of the 鈥渕ilitary industrial sector鈥� in XIV century and having received an affirmative answer went on asking about the most effective type of weapons in those times. Leonid Bobrov informed that it was a composite bow. The mystery of this bow being so efficient due to the different materials used has not been solved so far, says Leonid.
鈥淎ny recommendations for our Military Industrial Complex?鈥� smiled the president adding that he was about to proceed with another meeting, that of the Commission on armaments cooperation. To that Bobrov replied that in fact various types of armament survived from the Middle Ages and mentioned the construction of a body armor. 鈥淚s it time we replaced them?鈥� joked the president.
Speaking in a more serious vein, Putin said he was fond of visiting archaeological sites and remembered archaeologists finding some birch-bark manuscripts on legal proceedings. Turning back to Leonid Bobrov鈥檚 research, Vladimir Putin noticed that it was in the field of archaeology. Leonid confirmed and said he was even thinking of bringing an ancient helmet as a gift to the president.
鈥淲hat prevented you from doing so? Driven by greed?鈥� asked the president accompanied by people laughing. 鈥淚t is a replica, to be exact,鈥� clarified Leonid.
鈥淵ou could have brought the replica; or still better could you bring the original item?鈥� suggested the president. 鈥淲e would document it according to the rules, make an entry and exhibit it in a Kremlin museum.鈥�
