The Presidential Library about the heroes of the Battle of the Neva

July 15, 1240, in the place where Izhora flows into the Neva was held a famous battle during which the Prince of Novgorod Alexander Yaroslavich defeated the superior forces of the Swedes and went down in history as Alexander Nevsky (1221–1263).

The Presidential Library’s portal contains a collection consisting of unique studies, essays and visual materials on the life and exploits of the prince.

According to S. Krotkov in “Battle of the Neva and the Battle of the Ice” (1900), the position of North-Western Russia at the beginning of the 13th century was particularly painful.

P. S. Kazan in his book "The Life of the Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, in the monastic style of Alexy: for public reading" (1871), tells what preceded the great battle on the Neva.

However, the author of the book “The Life of the Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, in the monasticism of Alexy” (1852) V. I. Naumov notes: “According to the traditions of the Swedes, it was a little different. The first commander, and subsequently the closest relative (son-in-law) of the Swedish king Erik, Jarl Birger, hoping, on Erik's childlessness, to the Swedish throne, he tried to pave his way to the throne beforehand. To achieve this goal, he considered two things necessary for him: the friendship of the Pope and the common love and power of attorney of the people. To acquire love and power of attorney, it was necessary to acquire military glory ... "

Since no close war was foreseen, Birger found a suitable reason for the war in Finland, and then decided to defeat the part of the Finns, the Russians as well.

Having gathered a large army of Swedes, Norwegians and Finns, Birger sailed to the Neva, planning to take Ladoga and then conquer Novgorod and its possessions, the book says in 1871. “Defend yourself if you can, I am already here and take possession of your land”, - allegedly told Birger to convey to Alexander.

The book of I. D. Belyaev, “Grand Prince Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky” continues: “It was not time to linger, any 100 miles separated the enemies from Novgorod, there was nowhere to wait for help, to wait until the whole Novgorod land gathered, it meant give Ladoga a sacrifice and give the enemies time to become a firm foot in the Novgorod country. Alexander quickly realized these circumstances and, putting all the trust in God, gave the order to assemble the squad and the cash Novgorod and Ladozhan”. At this moment, they include the famous phrase of the prince: “God is not in Power, but in Truth”.

V. I. Picheta in the Alexander Nevsky (1942) edition, also available on the Presidential Library’s portal, adds that the consequences for the Russians would be worse if the approaching Swedish fleet had not discovered the “sea guard” led by a certain Pelgusy, a foreman Izhora land.

Upon learning of the approach of the enemy, Alexander and his team suddenly attacked the camp of the Swedes on the Neva River on July 15, 1240.

It would seem that a lot of time has passed since then. However, history has brought to us the names of the most distinguished associates of Alexander Nevsky. We read about this in the book of M. D. Khmyrov “Alexander Nevsky, Grand Duke of Vladimir and the whole of Russia” (1871).

Another, Sbyslav Yakunovich, many times drove into the thickest crowds of enemies, with only an ax, so fearlessly sought them out that everyone marveled at his strength and courage.

The third, Yakov Polochanin, prince’s trap, alone, with his sword, struck at a whole regiment of enemies and so courageously and firmly struck them that the prince himself praised him.

The fourth, Novgorod’s resident with the name Misha, gathered a squad of comrades, on foot, rushed into the sea and destroyed three enemy ships.

The fifth, Sava, one of the younger warriors, hit a big golden tent Birgerov and, having hooked the pillar, dropped it, which he announced to Alexander’s regiments victory.

The sixth, Ratmir, Alexander’s servant, a courageous warrior, fought on foot and died of wounds, penetrating into a crowd of Swedes ..."  

The victory in the Battle of the Neva was of great military and political importance. Russian troops did not allow the Swedes to cut off Novgorod from the sea and capture the coast of the Neva and the Gulf of Finland. After repelling the Swedish attack from the north, the Russian army disrupted the possible interaction between the Swedish and German conquerors.

The Presidential Library’s e-collections contain a description of the Battle of the Ice on April 5, 1242, which Alexander Nevsky also won.