When did the Battle of Lake Peipus take place?
The battle occurred on the 5th of April 1242. This date marks the clash between Novgorodian forces led by Alexander Nevsky and Teutonic Knights on the frozen surface of Lake Peipus.
Questions about Battle on the Ice
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the Novgorodian army at the Battle of Lake Peipus?
Prince Alexander Yaroslavich, later known as Alexander Nevsky, commanded the Novgorodian army during the conflict. He had been recalled from Pereslavl to lead his men against the crusaders in spring 1242.
What was the estimated number of troops for each side at the Battle of Lake Peipus?
Conservative estimates suggest the crusader forces numbered around 2,600 while the Novgorodians fielded approximately 5,000 men. The crusader force included Danish German knights and Estonian infantry whereas the Russian side comprised druzhina bodyguards militia and Finno-Ugrian tribesmen.
Did soldiers actually drown when the ice broke during the Battle of Lake Peipus?
No primary historical sources mention the ice breaking or soldiers drowning during the actual event. These details originated from Sergei Eisenstein's 1938 film Alexander Nevsky rather than contemporary chronicles like the Livonian Rhymed Chronicle.
Why did the Teutonic Order attack Novgorod territory in 1242?
The Livonian Brothers of the Sword launched campaigns to expand eastward following tensions caused by missionary activity in Livonia and Estonia since the late 12th century. Their actions provoked a Novgorodian counterattack after they had captured Yuryev in 1224 and attempted to subjugate Lett tribes south of that outpost.