1252-1263 Grand Prince of Vladimir.
Alexander was a legendary ruler and hero who successfully fought against German and Swedish knights. His victories were made possible by collaboration with Mongol invaders.
Background
Lived: 1220-1263.
Alexander, who was very popular, was elected the Prince of Novgorod when he was only 16.
Prince Alexander was a clever diplomat and negotiator. He knew how to please the Mongol khans and how to turn their favor against his brothers in the struggle for power.
The Crusades
In 1240, at the Battle of Neva, Alexander stopped the invasion of the Swedish knights under the command of Birger Jarl, thereby earning himself the nickname Nevsky.
In 1242, at the Battle of Ice, Alexander Nevsky’s army put a halt to the crusade of the German Teutonic knights. The battle took place on lake Peipus, where the knights allegedly fell through the ice and drowned.
Both victories would have been impossible without the support of the Mongol conquerors.
In 1252, Batu Khan promoted Alexander Nevsky to Grand Prince of Vladimir.
Legacy
He died in 1263 on his way back from Sarai, the capital of the Golden Horde.
For his victories Alexander was canonized as Saint Alexande Nevsky.
Alexander Nevsky
1252-1263 Grand Prince of Vladimir.
Alexander was a legendary ruler and hero who successfully fought against German and Swedish knights. His victories were made possible by collaboration with Mongol invaders.
Background
Lived: 1220-1263.
Alexander, who was very popular, was elected the Prince of Novgorod when he was only 16.
Prince Alexander was a clever diplomat and negotiator. He knew how to please the Mongol khans and how to turn their favor against his brothers in the struggle for power.
The Crusades
In 1240, at the Battle of Neva, Alexander stopped the invasion of the Swedish knights under the command of Birger Jarl, thereby earning himself the nickname Nevsky.
In 1242, at the Battle of Ice, Alexander Nevsky’s army put a halt to the crusade of the German Teutonic knights. The battle took place on lake Peipus, where the knights allegedly fell through the ice and drowned.
Both victories would have been impossible without the support of the Mongol conquerors.
In 1252, Batu Khan promoted Alexander Nevsky to Grand Prince of Vladimir.
Legacy
He died in 1263 on his way back from Sarai, the capital of the Golden Horde.
For his victories Alexander was canonized as Saint Alexande Nevsky.
Grand Duchy of Moscow