In the 16th century, streltsy, uniformly armed with firearms, first appeared as a regular infantry in the army of Ivan the Terrible and for decades they were the only quality infantry of the tzar. However, from the mid 17th century, their significance diminished in favor of the new model soldat infantry. Streltsy were recruited from the poor and were supported by the state. The streltsy were divided into the elite Moscow streltsy and poorly equipped and trained town streltsy who served as garrisons in other towns. The uniforms and weapons of the streltsy were unique. They were armed with long firearms, axes (berdishes), and sabers.