Matvey Ivanovich Platov was born on August 19, 1753, in Cherkassk, the capital of the Don Cossacks, now known as the stanitsa of Starocherkasskaya. He was baptized in the Church of Peter and Paul, which has survived to this day.

Platov came from a family of elders of the Don Army; his father was a military elder. Matvey belonged to the Old Believer Popovtsy and, as a commander, always carried a field Old Believer church with him. His mother, Anna Larionovna Platova, was born in 1733. In marriage to Ivan Fyodorovich, they had four sons: Matvey, Stefan, Andrey, and Pyotr.

In 1766, Matvey Ivanovich began his service in the Army Chancellery on the Don as a sergeant. He quickly demonstrated military talent and on December 4, 1769, received the rank of esau. At the age of 21-22, he became one of the youngest regimental commanders. Commanders noted him, Cossacks loved him, and enemies feared him. Mountain dwellers repeatedly attempted to surround and destroy him, but unsuccessfully.

In 1775, Platov successfully participated in the defeat of Yemelyan Pugachev, and in 1782-1783 fought against the Nogais in Kuban. He then suppressed the uprising of Chechens and Lezgins in the Caucasus, after which he went to the Russo-Turkish front.

Under Suvorov's command, Platov distinguished himself during the storming of Ochakov and was awarded the Order of Saint George 4th class. He also proved himself in the battle near Kaushany and during the capture of Izmail in 1790, leading the 5th column of the attacking army. For his bravery in capturing the fortress, he received the Order of Saint George 3rd class.

From 1790, Platov held the position of ataman of the Yekaterinoslav and Chuguev Cossack troops, and on January 1, 1793, he became a major general.

In 1796, by order of Emperor Paul I, the Don Cossacks under Platov's command participated in the Persian campaign. Although the campaign was interrupted, Platov remained to guard the headquarters of the commander Count Zubov, who was threatened with capture.

In 1797, Platov was suspected of conspiracy and was exiled to Kostroma, then imprisoned in the Peter and Paul Fortress. In January 1801, he was released and became a participant in the Indian campaign. After Paul’s assassination in 1801, Platov was returned.

On September 15, 1801, Platov was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed Army ataman of the Don Army. He founded a new capital of the Cossacks, Novocherkassk, in 1805.

During the war with Napoleon, Platov commanded Cossack regiments. After the battle of Preussisch Eylau, he became known throughout Russia. His Cossacks gained fame for raids on French troops, leading to French defeats.

For his feats in this campaign, Platov was awarded the Order of Saint George 2nd class. During the signing of the Tilsit peace, he met Napoleon, who gifted him a precious snuffbox, but Platov refused the French order.

In 1809, Platov fought against the Turks and captured the city of Babadag. For his bravery, he was promoted to general of cavalry.

In the Patriotic War of 1812, Platov commanded Cossack regiments on the border. He inflicted several defeats on the French, covering the retreat of the Russian army. At a critical moment in the Battle of Borodino, his maneuver with Uvarov thwarted Napoleon's decisive strike.

After the abandonment of Moscow, Platov reinforced his regiments with Cossack militia. He led the pursuit of the French, capturing many prisoners and artillery.

For his merits in the 1812 campaign, Platov was elevated to the rank of count of the Russian Empire.

After the war, Platov accompanied Alexander I to London, where he received an honorary sabre and the title of Honorary Doctor of Oxford University.

Upon returning to the Don, Platov lived in an estate in Mishkino. Old wounds undermined his health, and in December 1817, he moved to the estate of Yelanchik, where he died on January 15, 1818.

His body was buried in the family crypt in Novocherkassk. In 1993, his remains were returned to the Ascension Cathedral, and the monument was restored. Platov remains a symbol of victory over Napoleon, and his name is known and revered.