History of Russia: Battle of the past reconstructed in Kaliningrad

Organizers from Kaliningrad have initiated a theatrical battle of Russian warriors with Teutonic knights in the center of the city, thus revived the battle, which happened over 740 years ago. 

The theatrical reconstruction of the battle of Russian bogatyrs with Teutonic knights in the square of Victory – the very center of Kaliningrad commemorated events of the year 1268 by the town of Rakvere (the Battle of Rakvere). 

The campaign of the Russian Army against Rakvere (German: Wesenberg or Wesenbergh), occupied by Danes, was initiated by Novgorod. It brought together people from Novgorod, Pskov under the commandment of Daumantas of Pskov, and the regiments of the Grand Prince Yaroslav Yaroslavovich.  The battle between the united armies of German-Danish crusaders and Russian troops took place on February, 18 1268. After a long battle the united Army of Danes and Germans was defeated, and the Russian soldiers followed them for about 10 km.

"Our modern battle will take place within the framework of the Orthodox Christmas fair. It will last not less than an hour", - informed the organizers. 

The Orthodox Christmas fair takes place in Kaliningrad for the third year in row. This time it attracted representatives from 26 towns of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Having opened on January, 4, it managed only in course of first two days of its work to bring together over 15 thousands of the residents of Kaliningrad, the figure which is considerably higher compared to previous years.