Battle of the Neva

The Battle of the Neva (Russian Невская битва ) occurred on July 15, 1240 while the Neva River between the Swedish army under Birger Jarl and the drushina the Republic of Novgorod under Prince Alexander Yaroslavich.

The background of the battle was the weakening of Russia by the devastating Mongol invasion in 1237 and the resulting therefrom desire Sweden, the strategic mouth of the Neva and the city of Old Ladoga under his control to bring out the one of the key points on the trade route "from the Varangians to Greeks "scored.

After Alexander had learned from the encroachment of Sweden, he led his army along the Volkhov and reached Ladoga from the enemy, where should came to his troops and citizens of Ladoga. Meanwhile, the Swedes invaded, in whose ranks also Norwegians and Finns were, before the mouth of the Izhora.

The Russians took advantage of a dense fog and attacked the Swedish camp. The surprise effect was large and the Swedes suffered a heavy defeat, after which the remains of the Swedish army fled. The chronicles report that Alexander Birger Jarl during the battle ausstach an eye.

Because of the victory in this battle in which Alexander showed remarkable leadership and courage, he later received the surname Nevsky (of the Neva ). The Battle of the Neva parried the Swedish invasion and secured the Russian- Swedish border for many decades.

More fame Alexander in the Battle on the Ice, which took place two years later. 59.807530.604166666667Koordinaten: 59 ° 48 ' 27 " N, 30 ° 36' 15" E