Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky (1220-1263) defended the core of Russia from the armed and spiritual aggression of the geopolitical opponents of Russia in the middle of the 13th century.

Alexander Nevsky won famous victories over the Swedes (Battle of the Neva on July 15, 1240, hence the nickname) and knights Livonian Order(Battle on the Ice on Lake Peipsi on April 5, 1242).

In 1237, the monk-knights of the two orders - the Teutonic and Sword-bearers, united, created the powerful Livonian Order. In fact, a state was formed, the purpose of which was to capture the Baltic states, advance to Russia and forcibly catholicize the conquered population.

The beginning of the conquest was difficult. The Baltics were then inhabited by the ancient Baltic peoples: Estonians, Lithuanians, Zhmuds, Yatvingians and Prussians. All of them were in a state of homeostasis (equilibrium with natural environment), and the forces of these peoples were only enough to survive in their native landscape. Therefore, in the fight against the Livonian Order, the Balts were limited to defense. But since they defended themselves to the last, only the dead were taken prisoner, initially special success the Germans did not. The knights were helped by the fact that they were supported by a very warlike tribe - Livs. In addition, the knights found a valuable ally - the Swedes, who subjugated the Finnish tribes of sum and em.

Gradually, the Germans turned the Letts into serfdom, but the Estonians refused to submit to them, having significant ties with the Russians. The existence of these connections confirms the following fact: the cities that are now called Tallinn and Tartu (before the revolution, respectively: Revel and Derpt), have Russian historical names Kolyvan and Yuriev (according to the Christian name of the founder of this city, Yaroslav the Wise).

In 1240, the Swedish fleet entered the mouth of the Neva, approached the place where the Izhora River flows into it and landed a landing party ready to launch an offensive against Novgorod.

Novgorodians called for help the young prince Alexander Yaroslavich, known to grateful descendants under the name of Alexander Nevsky. Then he was only twenty-second year, but it was smart, energetic and man of courage, and most importantly, a true patriot of his homeland. Great forces Alexander failed to collect. With his small Suzdal detachment and a few Novgorod volunteers, Alexander forced his march to the Neva and attacked the Swedish camp. In this battle, the Novgorodians and Suzdalians covered themselves eternal glory. So, one Novgorodian named Gavrila Oleksich broke into a Swedish boat on horseback, fought with the Swedes on their ship, was thrown into the water, remained alive and again entered the battle. Alexander's servant, Ratmir, died heroically, fighting on foot with many opponents at once. The Swedes, who did not expect an attack, were utterly defeated and fled at night on ships from the place of defeat.

Novgorod was saved by the sacrifice and valor of Alexander's associates, but the threat to Russia remained. Teutonic Knights in 1240-1241 increased the pressure on Izborsk, striving to conquer Pskov. And in Pskov, a strong pro-German party was found among the boyars. Relying on her help, by 1242 the Germans captured this city, as well as Yam and Koporye, and again began to threaten Novgorod. on standing in Pskov german detachment. Having liberated Pskov, he moved on the main forces of the Livonians, who were retreating, bypassing Lake Peipsi. On the west bank lakes, at crow stone, the Germans had to take the fight.

On ice Lake Peipus("on Uzmeni, near the Raven Stone") there was a battle that went down in history as Battle on the Ice.

The knights were supported by foot mercenaries armed with spears, and the allies of the order - Livs. The knights lined up like a "pig": the most powerful warrior in front, two others behind him, four behind those, and so on. The onslaught of such a wedge was irresistible for the lightly armed Russians, and Alexander did not even try to stop the blow. German troops. On the contrary, he weakened his center and made it possible for the knights to break through it. Meanwhile, the reinforced flanks of the Russians attacked both wings of the German army. The Livs fled, the Germans resisted fiercely, but since it was spring time, the ice cracked and the heavily armed knights began to sink.

"And they chased them, beating them, seven miles across the ice." According to Novgorod Chronicle, countless "chud" and 500 German knights died, and 50 knights were captured. “And Prince Alexander returned with a glorious victory,” says the Life of the saint, “and there were many prisoners in his army, and those who call themselves “God’s knights” were led barefoot near the horses.

The battle on the ice had great value for the fate of not only Novgorod, but all of Russia. On the ice of Lake Peipus, the crusading aggression of the Latins was stopped. Russia received peace and stability on its northwestern borders.

The battle on the ice, together with the Neva victory, gave complete triumph to Orthodoxy over the intrigues against it by the pope and for a long time stopped the offensive movements of the Swedes and Germans against Russia in the most sorrowful and difficult years Russian life

In the same year, a peace treaty was concluded between Novgorod and the Order, according to which an exchange of prisoners took place and all Russian territories occupied by the Germans were returned. Chronicle conveys words German ambassadors addressed to Alexander: "What we occupied by force without Prince Vod, Luga, Pskov, Latygola - we retreat from everything. And what we captured your husbands - we are ready to exchange them: we will let yours go, and you will let ours go."

Having suffered a defeat on the battlefield, the Roman Church decided by other, diplomatic means to subjugate the Russian lands. An emergency embassy arrived in Novgorod from Pope Innocent IV.

The Pope of Rome sent to Alexander Nevsky two of his noblest nobles, Cardinals Gold and Gement, with a letter in which he demanded that Alexander, along with his Russian people, convert to Latinism. The cunning cardinals, handing Alexander a papal message marked on February 8, 1248, began, of course, in every possible way to persuade him to convert to Latinism, assuring him that only by renouncing Orthodoxy would he find help from Western sovereigns and thereby save both himself and his people. from the Tatars. To this, Alexander, outraged to the depths of his soul by such a proposal, answered them menacingly: “Listen, the messengers of the papacy and the pre-cursed women. , and from the beginning of the kingdom of Solomon to August the king, and from the beginning of August to the Nativity of Christ, and to the passion and until His Resurrection and into heaven of the ascension, and to the kingdom of the Great Constantine, and until the first Council and until the seventh Council: we know all this good, but we do not accept teachings from you."

In this answer, Alexander should not see any of his limitations. The unwillingness to even enter into debate with the papal legates meant the moral, religious and political choice of the prince. He refused a possible alliance with the West against the Tatars, because, probably, he understood too well that in reality the West could not help Russia in any way; the struggle with the Tatars, to which his papal throne called, could be disastrous for the country.

Alexander Nevsky rejected the offer of the Pope to accept Catholicism and the title of king and remained faithful to Orthodoxy (Daniel of Galicia, the Grand Duke of Galicia-Volyn Russia agreed to this).

The Pope announced crusade against ORTHODOXY AND RUSSIA (let us recall that at the instigation of the pope, in 1204 the crusaders captured Orthodox Constantinople, which was subjected to terrible robberies and devastation).

In 1247, Alexander Nevsky became the Grand Duke of Vladimir. To protect against external military and spiritual aggression, A. Nevsky concluded a strategic military-political alliance with the Golden Horde. He bound himself with an oath of twinning with Batu's son, Sartak (a Nestorian Christian). Batu, becoming the adoptive father of Alexander Nevsky, helps the Russians repel the aggression of Catholicism. ORTHODOXY AND RUSSIA HAVE BEEN SAVED. The armed detachments of Catholicism were defeated. Aggression from the West failed.

Batu hike from Aral Sea to the Adriatic gave the power of the Mongols all Eastern Europe, and it seemed that with Orthodoxy everything would be over. But circumstances developed in such a way that events flowed in a different direction. During the campaign, Batu quarreled with his cousins, Guyuk, the son of the supreme Khan Ogedei, and Buri, the son of the great guardian Yasa Chagatai. The fathers took the side of Batu and punished their presumptuous sons with disgrace, but when Ogedei died in 1241 and power fell into the hands of Guyuk's mother, Khansha Turakina, the squads of Guyuk and Buri were recalled - and poor Batu turned out to be the ruler of a vast country, having only 4 thousand faithful warriors under strained relations with the central government. The forcible retention of the conquered territories was out of the question. Returning to Mongolia meant a cruel death. And then Batu, a smart and far-sighted man, began a policy of seeking an alliance with the Russian princes Yaroslav Vsevolodovich and his son Alexander. Their lands were not taxed.

In early 1248 Guyuk died suddenly. Batu, having received a preponderance of forces, enthroned the son of Tolui, Möngke, the leader of the Christian-Nestorian party, and Guyuk's supporters were executed in 1251. Changed immediately foreign policy Mongolian ulus. The attack on Catholic Europe was canceled, and instead the "yellow crusade" was launched, as a result of which Baghdad fell (1258). Batu, who became the actual head of the empire, strengthened his position, tied new subjects to himself and created the conditions for the transformation of the Golden Horde into an independent khanate, which happened after the death of Mongke, when new wave turmoil tore apart the Chinggisid empire. Nestorianism, associated with the princes of the Tolui line, turned out to be outside the Golden Horde.

This situation (friendship and union of Alexander Nevsky and Sartak) continued until the death of Sartak in 1256, after which Berke Khan converted to Islam, but allowed the establishment of a diocese in Sarai in 1261 and favored the Orthodox, relying on them in the war with the Persian Ilkhans.

Alexander Nevsky had to experience an incredible shock: his entire political line was under threat. In 1256, his ally Batu died, and in the same year, because of sympathy for Christianity, Batu's son Sartak was poisoned. And by whom? Batu's brother Berke Khan, who relied on the Horde Muslims. Berke converted to Islam, slaughtered the Nestorians in Samarkand, poisoned his nephew, and established a Muslim dictatorship, though without further religious persecution. Faithful to his principle of fighting for the interests of the Fatherland, Alexander Nevsky this time again "lay down his soul for his friends." He went to Berke and negotiated the payment of tribute to the Mongols in exchange for military aid against Lithuanians and Germans.

In 1261 in Sarai, through the efforts of Alexander Nevsky and Mongolian khans Berke and Mengu-Timur, a courtyard of an Orthodox bishop was opened. He was not subjected to any persecution; it was believed that the Bishop of Sarsky was the representative of the interests of Russia and all Russian people at the court of the great khan. If a princely strife began in Russia, the khan sent a Sar bishop with a Tatar bek (necessarily a Christian), and they decided contentious issues at princely congresses. If someone disregarded decision and tried to continue the specific war, he was forced to peace with the help of the Tatar cavalry.

Relying on an alliance with Berke, Alexander decided not only to stop the movement of the Germans to Russia, but also to undermine its very possibility. He concluded with the Lithuanian prince Mindovg, his peer, an alliance directed against the crusaders.

Alexander Yaroslavich was on the verge of his second, no less significant than in the case of the Horde, diplomatic victory. But in 1263, in the midst of preparations for a joint campaign against the Livonian Order, returning from another trip to the Horde, the prince died. It can be assumed that Alexander Yaroslavich died, speaking modern language, from stress. Indeed, such complex diplomatic actions, brilliant victories, the fight against compatriots required too much nervous tension which is not for everyone. However, it seems strange that Mindovg also died soon after. The thought involuntarily suggests itself that the cause of the death of Prince Alexander was not stress; rather, in the death of Alexander and Mindaugas one should see the efforts of Catholic agents operating in Russia and Lithuania.

The military-political unification of Russia with the Golden Horde in 1247 is undoubted. This unification took place 9 years after Batu's campaign. The Russian princes began to pay tribute only in 1258. Mamai's coup in 1362 led to a break in the traditional alliance of Russia and the Golden Horde. Then Mamai entered into an alliance with the Catholics to fight Orthodox Moscow. In 1380, during the Battle of Kulikovo, this alliance against Orthodoxy and Russia was destroyed.

In other words, Alexander Nevsky recognized the sovereignty of the Khan of the Golden Horde, and this happened in the very year when the pope announced a crusade against Orthodox Russia. The obvious interconnection of these events gives the right to understand the situation of RUSSIA-ORDA as a military-political union. The Grand Duke of Vladimir becomes an ally of the Khan of the Golden Horde. It was the Russian troops that formed the basis Mongolian army, which conquered Persia and Syria, captured Baghdad in 1258.

The union of the Horde and Russia was realized thanks to the patriotism and dedication of Prince Alexander Nevsky. In the conciliar opinion of the descendants, the choice of Alexander Yaroslavich received the highest approval. Behind unparalleled feats in the name of native land the Russian Orthodox Church recognized the prince as a saint.

The Golden Horde gave the Russian Orthodox Church special labels for any desecration of the Orthodox faith was punishable by death.

The dominant behavior formulated by Alexander - altruistic patriotism - determined the principles of the structure of Russia for several centuries to come. The traditions of alliance with the peoples of Asia laid down by the prince, based on national and religious tolerance, until the 19th century, peoples living in adjacent territories were attracted to Russia. And finally, it was the descendants of Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky that was built on the ruins of an ancient Kievan Rus new Rus. At first it was called Moscow, and from the end of the 15th century it became known as Russia. The youngest son of Alexander Nevsky, Daniil, received "to reign" a tiny town in the wilderness - Moscow.

On December 6, the Church honors the memory of the Holy Right-Believing Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. The ultimate feat fell to the lot of Saint Alexander - in order to save Russia, he had to simultaneously demonstrate the valor of a warrior and the humility of a monk. Feat military glory the prince was on the banks of the Neva and on the ice of Lake Peipus: the knights of the Catholic orders sought to enslave Russia, desecrate the shrines of Russian Orthodoxy. Feeling with all his heart in the Church the “pillar and ground of the Truth,” understanding the fateful significance of this Truth of Christ in Russian life, Saint Prince Alexander took upon himself the heavy cross of the sovereign defender of the purity of the faith, the guardian and protector of the spiritual fullness of Russian statehood.

The feat of humility awaited him in relations with the arrogant and jaded victories of the Mongol Horde. Batu Khan sent a message to the prince: God has subdued many peoples to me: are you the only one who does not want to submit to my power? Seeing in what happened God's allowance and punishment for the sins of internecine princely enmity, Saint Alexander decided to recognize the seniority of the khan, not wanting to torment the Fatherland with the horrors of another war.

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body,” proclaims the Word of God. Fear, moreover, the one who can destroy both body and soul in Gehenna (Mt. 10:28). The soul of Russia has always lived and breathed the grace of the Church. Mongol slavery did not threaten her, bringing death only to the state body of a fragmented specific Russia. On the other hand, heretical Latinism threatened Russian life with mortal damage.

Having relied on the truths of the Law of God and the Commandments of Christ, Saint Alexander was the first to lead Russia onto that path, following which it grew and grew stronger year by year, turning as a result from a community of small warring principalities into a great Orthodox Kingdom, the defender and guardian of Universal Orthodoxy.

God is not in power, but in truth. Many people know this wonderful saying, which has long become like a saying, but few know to whom it belongs. It belongs to the holy noble Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, whose memory the Russian Church celebrates on December 6 (the day of his funeral). And again - September 12 (the day of the transfer of his holy relics from the city of Vladimir to the reigning city of St. Peter).

The reign of Alexander Nevsky (1236-1263) coincided with one of the most difficult and tragic periods in Russian history: Mongol hordes, knightly hordes of "crusaders" (Swedes and German knights of the Livonian Order) were advancing from the west.

The horror of this situation was expressed in the fact that, on the one hand, the threat of invasion loomed over the Russian lands. steppe nomads- Mongol, which certainly led to enslavement, in best case, and destruction at worst. On the other side of the Baltic the best option promised the Russian people to renounce the Christian faith and kneel before the banners of Western Catholicism.

Russia was weakened by those who overwhelmed her internecine wars. Each principality tried to exist in its own way. Brother went to brother. Everything was put into play: murder, entry into family ties with authoritative foreign families, incest, intrigues, flirting and simultaneous cruelty with the townspeople. Historical conditions of the period in which the princes were placed, pushed them to certain actions.

Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky central figure new, reborn from the ruins of the petty princely appanages of Russia, and it was to him that the eyes were turned as to the defender and unifier of the lands in the face of the Golden Horde threat and Catholic invaders.

In 1241, Alexander appeared in Novgorod and cleared its region of enemies, and in next year together with his brother Andrei, he moved to the aid of Pskov, where the German governors were sitting.

Alexander liberated Pskov and from here, without wasting time, moved to the border of the Livonian Order, which passed along Lake Peipsi.

Alexander Nevsky, whose brief biography is presented in this article, was not only the Grand Duke, but also a famous commander, whose merits are still revered. After all, thanks to his victories in such battles as the Battle of the Neva and the Battle of the Ice, our country remained not only independent, but also asserted itself among other states.

For their exploits before the Fatherland and firm Orthodox faith Alexander Nevsky is glorified in the face of saints as the Holy Blessed Prince.

Brief biography of Alexander Yaroslavich

Alexander Nevsky was born on May 13, 1221 in a family Vladimir prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich and Princess Rostislava Mstislavovna. He was the second of nine children. Until the age of nine, the prince lived in Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, and after that, together with his older brother Fedor, he left to rule in Veliky Novgorod.

After 3 years, the elder brother died, and after another 3 years, the prince's father moved to rule in Kyiv. Therefore, Alexander Nevsky, by the age of 16, became an independent ruler of Novgorod - one of the richest and most influential cities of the 13th century.

Historical portrait of Alexander Nevsky

Alexander Yaroslavich ruled from 1236 to 1263 in the Novgorod, Kiev and Vladimir principalities.

He began his story as a warrior. While still very young, he fought on the Izhora, which flows into the Neva, with the German knights. A little later, he fought for Pskov with the Teutonic Knights and participated in the Battle of the Ice.

During the reign of Alexander Yaroslavich Old Russian state a difficult fate fell, they had to pay tribute to the Golden Horde and defend the state from Western invaders. At that time, every prince who wanted to receive the title of great had to go to the Horde for a golden label. Alexander Nevsky was no exception.

After the death of his father, he went to Mongolia to ask Vladimir principality. In total, Alexander Yaroslavich visited the Horde 2 times. The second time he went there because of the unsuccessful campaign of his brothers against the Horde, in order to save the Russian cities from the wrath of the Tatar-Mongol. He was able to convince the khan not to attack Russia, but died on the way home.

Childhood of Alexander Nevsky

Almost nothing is known about the childhood and youth of Alexander Yaroslavich. When Alexander was 5 years old, his father initiated him and his brother Fyodor into warriors. After 3 years, the brothers were sent to reign in Veliky Novgorod.

On his worldview big role played life in Novgorod with its free and warlike disposition. Alexander knew from childhood that someday he would become a warrior and lead an army, like his father once did.

In 1237, Russia suffered a misfortune - the Russian cities were burned and robbed by the warriors of Batu. At that time, many princes were killed, and the survivors were taken prisoner. In order to protect his lands and save the lives of his children, Yaroslav Vsevolodovich agreed with Batu to pay tribute.

However, the worst was yet to come. Russian state ahead. Having learned about the plight of the Russian princes, the Pope decided to forcibly baptize the Russian people in catholic faith, and give the conquered territories to the families of the knights of the Order.

Just at this time, 17-year-old Alexander Nevsky was able to establish himself as a wise ruler and good commander, placing several defensive points on the Shelon River and entering into unequal fight with the crusaders.

Grand Duke's parents

The father of Alexander Nevsky was Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, who reigned in Vladimir. His grandfather was Vsevolod Big Nest, and great-grandfather - Yuri Dolgoruky, who also went down in history as the great figures of Russia.

Father of Alexander Nevsky Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich

About the boy's mother, except that she was princely family, nothing else is known. Some sources say that she was the daughter of Mstislav the Udaly (Lucky) - one of the famous warriors and princes of that time.

Marriage of Alexander Yaroslavich

In 1239, in Toropets, the prince married Alexandra, the daughter of Prince of Polotsk. They had 5 children - 4 sons and 1 daughter.

Children of Alexander Nevsky

The exact dates of birth of the sons of Alexander Nevsky are unknown. The eldest son Vasily was presumably born before 1245. He inherited the Novgorod inheritance.

The next son of Prince Dmitry was born in 1250. He was the ruler of Novgorod, Pereslavl and Vladimir. Andrei (1255) was the ruler of Kostroma, Vladimir and Novgorod principality after the death of his elder brothers.

The most famous of his children was younger son- Daniel, who is called the first collector of lands around Moscow and the first Moscow prince.

Nevsky's daughter Evdokia married Prince Konstantin Rostislavich, who ruled in Smolensk.

Who fought Alexander Nevsky

During his short but glorious life, Alexander Nevsky was able to accomplish many important victories for the state. To do this, he had to fight with several foreign invaders almost simultaneously.

His enemies were the Swedes from the Livonian Order, who in 1240 appeared at the walls of Veliky Novgorod. Also, Alexander Nevsky in 1242 fought with the German knights and in 1245 with the Lithuanian troops.

Briefly about the exploits of the great commander

Today it is put on a par with the most outstanding commanders throughout the history of Russia. And this is no coincidence. On his account at once several significant victories for the entire Russian world.

He won his first victory on June 15, 1240 on the Izhora River against the Swedish conquerors. In the summer of that year, under the walls of Novgorod, the knights of Levon and Teutonic Order who came to Russia to convert people to the Catholic faith.

The Swedish part of the united order did not wait for the Germans and acted. Alexander Nevsky, without waiting for the help of his father, opposed the interventionists and defeated them.

The second feat of Alexander Yaroslavich is known in history as the Battle on the Ice. It happened on April 5, 1242 on Lake Peipus, which by that time was already on the inhabited territory of the German crusader knights.

The last victory of Nevsky refers to 1245. Battle against Lithuanian invaders was fought for several days and ended with the victory of the Nevsky squad.

Ice battle and the victory of Alexander Nevsky

The battle on the ice or the battle against the Teutonic Order took place on April 5, 1242 on Lake Peipsi. Thanks to the resourcefulness and cunning tactics of the young prince, the troops of the order were surrounded from the flanks and defeated.

The remnants of the Teutons caught up for a long time princely retinue across the frozen lake. As a result of this battle, about 500 knights drowned in the lake, and another 50 were taken prisoner.

AT last years there is increasingly lively discussion as to why so many knights drowned. According to one version, the knights were dressed in heavy armor, because of which the ice on Lake Peipsi could not stand it and cracked. However, according to other reports, this information appeared recently and has nothing to do with actual events.

Anyway, this battle was great importance for the state. After him, an agreement was concluded that put an end to the raids of the crusaders.

The results of the reign of Alexander Yaroslavich

The reign of Alexander Nevsky is recognized as one of the most beneficial for the state. After all, during the time Nevsky was in power, the country increased its influence in the West, largely due to the victories over the Order.

In addition, many Russian cities were able to breathe easy, because the predatory raids of the Baskaks stopped due to Alexander's competent policy towards the Golden Horde. He ensured that the princes could again independently collect tribute and take it to the Horde.

Death of a prince

The prince died during one of the campaigns on the land of the Tatar-Mongol. It happened on November 14, 1262 on way back from the Horde. There are several versions of his death. The most popular assumptions are illness or poisoning.

It is known that before his death, the prince converted to Christianity and took the name Alexei. He was about 42 years old. He was buried in the Vladimir Nativity Monastery.

The image of Alexander Nevsky in art

The original image with the prince has not remained to this day. His image was restored according to descriptions from different sources which is reflected in Russian literature, art, cinema. Word portrait the prince can be found in his life, the content of which tells of his many exploits.

One of the most popular portraits of Alexander Nevsky was painted from the actor from the film of the same name directed by Sergei Eisenstein. The prototype for the Order of the Grand Duke was also taken from him.

In addition, many streets and temples are named after the prince, not only in our country, but also abroad. In many cities of Russia you can find monuments and monuments dedicated to him.

There are more than a dozen interesting facts about the activities of this famous person. The most interesting and relevant of them in this collection.

Why was the prince named Alexander Nevsky?

His nickname - Nevsky, Alexander received for a brilliant victory over the German knights on the Neva. This not only glorified him, but also discouraged him for a long time. Western states attack Russia.

What was the height of Alexander Nevsky?

It is noteworthy that Alexander Nevsky was small, even small by modern standards of growth - no more than 156 cm. Scientists made such conclusions on the basis of a white-stone tomb, which allegedly belongs to Nevsky.

When is the day of memory of Alexander Nevsky celebrated by the Orthodox Church?

Orthodox Christians recognize two anniversaries Blessed Prince - September 12 and December 6. The first date marks the transfer of the holy relics from Vladimir land in Saint-Petersburg. The second date marks the solemn funeral of the prince, which, according to the old style, took place on November 23, 1263.

When did the prince go to war for the first time?

Nevsky began to fight long before he himself stood at the head of the army. His first fight was when he was 13 years old. Then his father took him to the battle against the Lithuanians in Dorpat. It was then that the young prince realized who his enemies really were.

Conclusion

Alexander Nevsky is an outstanding prince and commander who deserves special place in history. After all, if not this holy warrior, then it is not known what our state would be like today.

September 12 - Memorial Day of Alexander Nevsky. In 2008 legendary prince became the "Name of Russia", the image of Nevsky was created for centuries, acquiring the features epic hero, a cult figure. On the day of the memory of the prince, we will remember 7 of his exploits.

Battle of the Neva

The first feat, for which Alexander Yaroslavovich received his nickname - the legendary Battle of the Neva. The squad of Nevsky defeated the Swedes at the mouth of the Izhora River. The prince personally participated in the battle and "put a seal on the king's face with your sharp spear", that is, inflicted heavy bodily injuries on the Swedish leader Birger with a spear. It is believed that the victory of Nevsky prevented the loss of the banks of Russia Gulf of Finland and stopped Swedish aggression to the Novgorod-Polotsk lands. It is worth recognizing that the battle was not particularly large-scale, rather it was a special operation in which the prince's squad seized a strategic and tactical advantage by unexpectedly attacking the Swedes.

Alexander vs Germans

After returning from the Battle of the Neva, Alexander returned to Novgorod, but quarreled with the boyars and was forced to leave for Pereslavl-Zalessky. Meanwhile, the Germans showed extraordinary aggression, taking Izborsk, Pskov, the land of the Vozhan and Koporye. When the adversaries approached Novgorod, it was time to turn to Yaroslav for help. Yaroslav wanted to send his youngest son Andrei to help, but the people of Novgorod insisted on Alexander's candidacy. In 1241 Alexander cleared Novgorod lands from the Germans. in 1242, having waited for help from Vladimir (led by Andrei), he liberated Pskov.

Battle on the Ice

The decisive battle against the Livonian Order took place on Lake Peipsi in the winter of 1242. Historically important battle, in which the troops of Nevsky won a decisive victory, stopped the German aggression. The details of this clash are described in detail, every schoolchild knows about how the Germans walked like a “pig” and knights dressed in heavy armor, went under the ice of Lake Peipus. According to legend, the Russians pursued the Germans for 7 miles across the ice. Under the terms of the peace, the Order abandoned all recent conquests and ceded part of Latgale to the Novgorodians.

Nevsky vs Lithuanians

In 1245, the Lithuanian army led by Mindovg attacked Torzhok and Bezhetsk. Alexander s Novgorod army took Toropets, where he killed almost ten Lithuanian princes. After the capture of Toropets, Alexander let the Novgorodians go home and already on his own (with the forces of his court and squad) caught up and completely destroyed the Lithuanian troops near Lake Zhiztsa. On the way back, Nevsky defeated another Lithuanian detachment along Usvyatoye. The squad of Nevsky was formidable force, one mention of him inspired fear in enemies. Such glory could not but reach the great khan. Nevsky's father, Yaroslav, was sent to Karakorum, and Nevsky was "summoned" to the Horde to Batu.

Nevsky vs Catholics

Alexander Nevsky was canonized not so much for his feats of arms and the repeated manifestation of devotion to the interests of Russia, how much for stopping the attempt of Catholics to plant their faith. Pope Innocent IV sent his cardinals to Nevsky, who, in the end, left Nevsky without salty slurping, after listening to a fiery speech, not devoid of rhetorical turns: “From Adam to the flood, from the flood to the separation of languages, from the confusion of languages ​​​​to the beginning of Abraham, from Abraham to the passage of Israel through the Red Sea, from the exodus of the sons of Israel to the death of King David, from the beginning of the kingdom of Solomon to Augustus the king, from the beginning of Augustus to Christmas, from the Nativity of Christ to the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord, from His Resurrection and to the Ascension to heaven, from the Ascension to heaven and to the kingdom of Constantine, from the beginning of the kingdom of Constantine to the first council, from the first council to the seventh - we know everything well, but from you we do not accept teachings.

Nevsky diplomat

Alexander Nevsky was not only a successful commander, but also a good diplomat who concluded important agreements. Around 1251, Alexander concluded an agreement between Novgorod and Norway on the settlement of border disputes and delimitation in the collection of tribute from vast territory where Karelians and Saami lived. Between 1259 and 1262, Alexander made a trade agreement with the "Gothic coast" (Gotland), Lübeck and German cities. This agreement played important role in the history of Russian-German relations and turned out to be very durable (it was referred to even in 1420).

Nevsky saint

In addition to his feats of arms, Nevsky also performed spiritual feats. He strengthened the Orthodox faith, actively contributed to the spread of Orthodoxy to the North, among the Pomors. After the terrible ruin of Nevryuev, Nevsky took care of the restoration of the destroyed Vladimir and other Russian cities. The prince “erected churches, rebuilt cities, gathered dispersed people into their houses,” testifies the author of the princely Life. The prince showed special care in relation to the Church, decorating churches with books and utensils, favoring them with rich gifts and land.

September 12 - Memorial Day of Alexander Nevsky. In 2008, the legendary prince became the "Name of Russia", the image of Nevsky was created over the centuries, acquiring the features of an epic hero, a cult figure. On the day of the memory of the prince, we will remember 7 of his exploits.

Battle of the Neva

The first feat, for which Alexander Yaroslavovich received his nickname - the legendary Battle of the Neva. The squad of Nevsky defeated the Swedes at the mouth of the Izhora River. The prince personally participated in the battle and "put a seal on the king's face with your sharp spear", that is, inflicted heavy bodily injuries on the Swedish leader Birger with a spear. It is believed that the victory of Nevsky prevented the loss of the shores of the Gulf of Finland by Russia and stopped the Swedish aggression on the Novgorod-Polotsk lands. It is worth recognizing that the battle was not particularly large-scale, rather it was a special operation in which the prince's squad seized a strategic and tactical advantage by unexpectedly attacking the Swedes.

Alexander vs Germans

After returning from the Battle of the Neva, Alexander returned to Novgorod, but quarreled with the boyars and was forced to leave for Pereslavl-Zal Yes. Meanwhile, the Germans showed extraordinary aggression, taking Izborsk, Pskov, the land of the Vozhan and Koporye. When the adversaries approached Novgorod, it was time to turn to Yaroslav for help. Yaroslav wanted to send his youngest son Andrei to help, but the people of Novgorod insisted on Alexander's candidacy. In 1241, Alexander cleared the Novgorod lands of the Germans. in 1242, having waited for help from Vladimir (led by Andrei), he liberated Pskov.

Battle on the Ice

The decisive battle against the Livonian Order took place on Lake Peipsi in the winter of 1242. The historically important battle, in which the troops of Nevsky won a decisive victory, stopped the German aggression. The details of this clash are described in detail, every schoolchild knows about how the Germans walked like a “pig” and the knights, dressed in heavy armor, went under the ice of Lake Peipus. According to legend, the Russians pursued the Germans for 7 miles across the ice. Under the terms of the peace, the Order abandoned all recent conquests and ceded part of Latgale to the Novgorodians.

Nevsky vs Lithuanians

In 1245, the Lithuanian army under the leadership of Mindovg attacked Torzhok and Bezhetsk. Alexander with the Novgorod army took Toropets, where he killed almost ten Lithuanian princes. After the capture of Toropets, Alexander let the Novgorodians go home and already on his own (with the forces of his court and squad) caught up and completely destroyed the Lithuanian troops near Lake Zhiztsa. On the way back, Nevsky defeated another Lithuanian detachment along Usvyatoye. The squad of Nevsky was a formidable force, the mere mention of it inspired fear in the enemies. Such glory could not but reach the great khan. Nevsky's father, Yaroslav, was sent to Karakorum, and Nevsky was "summoned" to the Horde to Batu.

Nevsky vs Catholics

Alexander Nevsky was canonized not so much for his feats of arms and repeated devotion to the interests of Russia, but for the fact that he stopped the attempt of Catholics to plant their faith. Pope Innocent IV sent his cardinals to Nevsky, who, in the end, left Nevsky without salty slurping, after listening to a fiery speech, not devoid of rhetorical turns: “From Adam to the flood, from the flood to the separation of languages, from the confusion of languages ​​​​to the beginning of Abraham, from Abraham to the passage of Israel through the Red Sea, from the exodus of the sons of Israel to the death of King David, from the beginning of the kingdom of Solomon to August the king, from the beginning of August to the Nativity of Christ, from the Nativity of Christ to the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord, from His Resurrection to the Ascension to heaven , from the Ascension to heaven and to the kingdom of Constantine, from the beginning of the kingdom of Constantine to the first council, from the first council to the seventh - we know all that well, but we do not accept teachings from you.

Nevsky diploma at

Alexander Nevsky was not only a successful commander, but also a good diplomat who concluded important agreements. Around 1251, Alexander concluded an agreement between Novgorod and Norway on the settlement of border disputes and the delimitation of the collection of tribute from the vast territory inhabited by Karelians and Sami. Between 1259 and 1262, Alexander made a trade agreement with the "Gotha coast" (Gotland), Lübeck and the German cities. This agreement played an important role in the history of Russian-German relations and proved to be very durable (it was referred to even in 1420).