At the time when serves dreamed to escape from state taxes and lords that made them work the land, vast southern territories near the Black and Azov Sea were free of law and taxes (modern Don, Ekaterinadar (Krasnodar), Stavropol regions). That is where Cossacks lived. Any serve that reached this territory became free much like American slaves if they reached northern states. Unlike in the New World, the Cossack territory was self-governed by elders and elected ataman. Ethnically they were predominantly Russians and Ukrainians, but there were contrary to common believe some christianized Jews, Turks, Tartars etc. Over the years they developed their own customs and laws.

To take control over those territories Catherine the Great made a deal with Cossack leaders. She granted them complete autonomy and self-governance in exchange on commitment to defend Southern territories from enemies. In addition Cossacks agreed to provide youth for the military service in the capital and during times of war.

To reach the territory was not easy. Many serves were captured and returned to their lords or killed. Only the strongest and most intelligent managed to join Cossack land. It was natural selection process. Such adventure would be much harder for women and the population of territories had a shortage of females. After striking a deal and learning about the problem, Catherine sent hundreds of most beautiful serve girls to the Southern borders to marry Cossacks. That was a first experiment of modern human breeding. Till now those territories are famous for having exceptionally beautiful people.