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Essay on Alexander Nevsky
Alexander Nevsky (May 30, 1220? – November 14, 1263) was a Russian statesman and Grand Prince of Novgorod and Vladimir (from 1252). He was the son of Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich and rose to legendary status because of his military victories.
Born in Pereslavl-Zalessky, Alexander was the fourth son of Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich and seemed to have no chance of claiming the throne of Vladimir. In 1236, however, he was summoned by the Novgorodians to become kniaz' (or prince) of Novgorod and, as their military leader, to defend their northwest lands from Swedish and German invaders. After the Swedish army had landed at the confluence of rivers Izhora and Neva, Alexander and his small army suddenly attacked the Swedes on July 15, 1240 and defeated them.
The Neva battle of 1240 saved Russia from a full-scale enemy invasion from the North. As a result of this battle, 19-year-old Alexander was given the name of “Nevsky” (which means of Neva). This victory strengthened Nevsky’s political influence, but at the same time it worsened his relations with the boyars. He would soon have to leave Novgorod because of this conflict.
After Russia had been invaded by the Teutonic Knights, the Novgorod authorities sent for Alexander. In spring of 1241 he returned from his exile, gathered an army, and drove out the invaders. Alexander and his men stood up against the Teutonic cavalry led by the Magister of the Order, Hermann, brother of Albert of Buxhoeveden. Nevsky faced the enemy on the ice of the Chudskoye Lake and crushed the Teutonic Knights during the Battle on Lake Peipus on April 5, 1242. The German attempts to invade Russia were effectively stopped for many centuries to come.
Alexander was baptized at this cathedral, dating from 1152.Alexander’s victory was a significant event in the history of the Middle Ages.....
