Alexander Nevsky: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:35, 15 September 2025

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Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky^[1] (Template:Langx; Script error: No such module "IPA".; monastic name: Aleksiy;^[2] 13 May 1221^[3] – 14 November 1263)^[3] was Prince of Novgorod (1236–1240; 1241–1256; 1258–1259) and Grand Prince of Vladimir (1252–1263).^[4]Template:Sfn

A grandson of Vsevolod the Big Nest, Nevsky rose to legendary status after victories over Swedish invaders in the Battle of the Neva (1240), which earned him the title "Nevsky" in the 15th century, and over German crusaders in the Battle on the Ice (1242). He agreed to pay tribute to the Golden Horde, which allowed him to preserve the Eastern Orthodox Church, while fighting against foreign powers to the west and the south. Macarius, Metropolitan of Moscow canonized Alexander Nevsky as a saint of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1547.

Regarded long after his death as "one of the great heroes of Russian history",Template:Sfn Nevsky is credited with having "saved the Russian people [from Catholicism and being] enslaved by the Germans".Template:Sfn Nevsky's successes led his image to be used by Peter the Great in the construction of Saint Petersburg. His image was also used to promote patriotism in the Soviet Union, especially during World War II.^[5] The 1938 film Alexander Nevsky cemented Nevsky's reputation as a Russian savior. Critics of his legacy argue that the size and importance of his military victories were exaggerated for political purposes, and that he helped ensure the Golden Horde's dominance over Russia.^[6]

Early life

Born in Pereslavl-Zalessky on 13 May 1221, or 30 May 1220 based on the old historiographic tradition,^[3] Alexander was the second son of Grand Prince Yaroslav II of Vladimir.Template:Sfn His mother was Template:Ill, daughter of Mstislav Mstislavich. He spent most of his youth in Pereslavl-Zalessky.Template:Sfn Little is known about the activities of Yaroslav's children before 1238.Template:Sfn Alexander's eldest brother Fyodor died in 1233 at the age of 14.Template:Sfn^[7]

One of the first known references to Alexander Yaroslavich is in Tales of the Life and Courage of the Pious and Great Prince Alexander in the Pskov Chronicles (Template:Circa):^[8]

By the will of God, prince Alexander was born from the charitable, people-loving, and meek the Great Prince Yaroslav, and his mother was Theodosia. As it was told by the prophet Isaiah: 'Thus sayeth the Lord: I appoint the princes because they are sacred and I direct them.' ...He was taller than others and his voice reached the people as a trumpet, and his face was like the face of Joseph, whom the Egyptian Pharaoh placed as next to the king after him of Egypt. His power was a part of the power of Samson and God gave him the wisdom of Solomon... this Prince Alexander: he used to defeat but was never defeated...

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Reign

Prince of Novgorod (1236–1240; 1241–1256; 1258–1259)

File:Seal of Alexander Nevsky 1236.png

Seal of Aleksandr Yaroslavich (front and back) with images of the prince himself as a horseman and saint Theodore Stratelates. After 1236.

In 1236, Alexander was appointed by the Novgorod Republic as the prince of Novgorod (knyaz), where he had already served as his father's governor in Novgorod.^[9]Template:Sfn He was chosen for the position by his father, but the decision was approved by the veche, which needed his armies.^[10] The Novgorod chronicle describes how Yaroslav left his son, Alexander, in Novgorod and took with him "senior Novgorodians" and a hundred men from Torzhok and "sat in Kiev upon the throne".Template:Sfn When his father was called away in 1238 because of a Mongol invasion of Northeastern Russia, Alexander began to rule on his own.^[10]

In the Battle of the Sit River (1238), in which the Mongols effectively conquered the Grand Principality of Vladimir, reigning prince Yuri II of Vladimir was killed. His younger brother, Yaroslav II of Vladimir (Alexander's father), requested and received from the Mongol khan his permission to become the new prince. As prince, he assigned Novgorod to his son Alexander.^[11]

Alexander continued to enforce the anti-Western views of his family, which made him unpopular among the veche.^[10]

Second Swedish Crusade and the Battle of the Neva (1240)

In 1240, three years after obtaining papal authorization, the Swedes launched the Second Swedish Crusade in the easternmost part of the Baltic region.Template:Sfn The Finnish mission's eastward expansion led to a clash between Sweden and the city-state of the Novgorod Republic, since the Karelians had been allies and tributaries of Novgorod since the mid-12th century.Template:Sfn The Swedish army was led by Birger Jarl and consisted of Norwegians and Finnish tribes.Template:Sfn After a successful campaign into Tavastia, the Swedes advanced further east.Template:Sfn Template:Sfn According to Russian sources, the Swedish army landed at the confluence of the rivers Izhora and Neva in northwestern Russia, when Alexander and his small army suddenly attacked the Swedes on 15 July 1240 and defeated them in the Battle of the Neva.Template:Sfn^[12]

The battle is not mentioned in any Swedish sources; all accounts of the battle are from two Russian sources, which are largely inadequate. Although some Russian sources written centuries later describe its as a very large battle, it is not clear if it was a huge battle or just part of periodic clashes between Sweden and Novgorod that was exaggerated for political purposes.Template:Sfn^[13] Soviet-era historian Igor Pavlovich Shaskol'skii suggested that the attack was coordinated, referring to the Life of Alexander Nevsky, the only Russian source besides the First Novgorod Chronicle that mentions the battle, in which it is stated that the Swedes intended to conquer Novgorod.Template:Sfn However, according to John Lister Illingworth Fennell: "there is no evidence of any coordination of action between the Swedes, the Germans and the Danes, nor is there anything to show that this was more than a continuation of the Russo-Swedish conflict for mastery over Finland and Karelia".Template:Sfn

The event was later depicted as being of national importance, and in the 15th century, Alexander received the sobriquet Nevsky ("of the Neva").Template:Sfn Template:Sfn Template:Sfn

1240 Izborsk and Pskov campaign

In the September 1240 Izborsk and Pskov campaign, troops of the Bishopric of Dorpat, the Livonian Order, and the exiled pretender-prince Template:Ill overthrew the pro-Suzdal faction which supported Alexander.Template:Sfn Template:Sfn

In late 1240 or early 1241, fearing the undue influence of Alexander over the veche and amid fears of him becoming a sole ruler, the Novgorodians banished Alexander to Pereslavl-Zalessky.^[14]Template:Sfn Template:Sfn

1240–1241 Votia campaign

File:Facial Chronicle - b.06, p.068 - Execution of vod and chud.jpg

Execution of Vots and Chuds by Alexander Nevsky in Koporye, during the 1240–1241 Votia campaign (16th-century miniature)

In the winter 1240–1241 Votia campaign, the Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek, the Livonian Order, as well as Estonians (Chud') with support from local Votian leaders attacked Votia. It is unclear whether or not Votia was a tributary of Novgorod at this time.Template:Sfn Template:Sfn Template:Sfn According to Anti Selart, the allies likely only intended to acquire pagan lands and convert them to Catholicism, rather than attacking Novgorod, which was already Christianized.Template:Sfn On the other hand, the campaign was "a purely political undertaking which had nothing to do with conversion of pagans".Template:Sfn Although the Northern Crusades were aimed at pagan Balts and Finns, rather than Orthodox Russians, several unsuccessful attempts were made to persuade Novgorod to convert to Catholicism, which were resisted by Alexander.Template:Sfn Template:Sfn

Battle on the Ice (1242)

The Novgorodian authorities recalled Alexander, and in the spring of 1241, he returned from exile and assembled an army. Alexander conquered Pskov and Koporye from the crusaders, executing the Votians that cooperated with the invaders.Template:Sfn He then continued into Estonian-German territory.Template:Sfn The crusaders defeated a detachment of the Novgorodian army.Template:Sfn Template:Efn As a result, Alexander set up a position at Lake Peipus.Template:Sfn On 5 April 1242, in the Battle on the Ice, Alexander and his men faced the Livonian heavy cavalry led by Hermann of Dorpat, brother of Albert of Buxhoeveden.Template:Sfn Alexander's army defeated the enemy, halting the eastward expansion of the Teutonic Order.^[15] Later in 1242, the Germans agreed to relinquish control of any Russian territory still occupied and to exchange prisoners of war.Template:Sfn Later Russian sources elevated the importance of the battle and portray it as one of the great Russian victories of the Middle Ages.Template:Sfn

The Livonian Rhymed Chronicle narrates the events of the battle:

There is a city in Russia called Novgorod, and when its king [Alexandre] heard what had happened he marched towards Pskov with many troops. He arrived there with a mighty force of many Russians to free the Pskovians and these latter heartily rejoiced. When he saw the Germans he did not hesitate long. They drove away the two Brothers, removed them from their governorship and routed their troops. The Germans fled and allowed the land to revert to the Russians. Thus it went for the Teutonic Knights, but if Pskov had been protected it would have benefited Christianity until the end of the world. It is a mistake to take a fair land and fail to occupy it properly. It is deplorable, for the result is sure to be disastrous. The king of Novgorod then returned home.Template:Sfn

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A Soviet evaluation presented Alexander's victories as having "saved the Russian people from sharing the fate of the Baltic tribes and the Slavs of the Elbe who were enslaved by the Germans".Template:Sfn Igor Shaskovsky called the offensive the largest during the feudal period.Template:Sfn On the other hand, historians like Fennell have doubted that this victory was a turning point in Russian history.Template:Sfn He notes that the chronicle of Suzdal downplays the event to the point that Alexander's brother Andrey is seen as the hero.Template:Sfn

After the Livonian invasion, Nevsky continued to strengthen the Republic of Novgorod. He sent envoys to Norway and, as a result, a first peace treaty between Novgorod and Norway was signed in 1251. Alexander defeated the Swedes in Finland after they made another attempt to block the Baltic Sea from the Novgorodians in 1256.Template:Sfn Template:Primary source inline In 1261, Alexander also made a treaty with Lithuanian king Mindaugas against the Livonian Order, but the planned attack failed as Alexander was summoned to Sarai by the khan.Template:Sfn

Grand Prince of Vladimir (1252–1263)

Yaroslav was summoned to Karakorum, after which he fell ill and died on 30 September 1246.Template:Sfn At a council in Vladimir held the following year, it was decided that Yaroslav's brother Svyatoslav would become grand prince, while Alexander would receive the Principality of Tver in addition to remaining as the prince of Novgorod.Template:Sfn The Rurikid princes were obliged to appear before the khans in person, pay homage to them and receive their jarlig (patent) to be affirmed in their principalities.Template:Efn Template:Sfn Svyatoslav did not go to the khan for confirmation, which caused Mikhail Khorobrit to expel his brother from Vladimir and claim the throne.Template:Sfn Mikhail later died in a battle against the Lithuanians in 1248, which led to Moscow being without a prince.Template:Sfn

Alexander's older brother Andrey was dissatisfied with the decision made at the council and he went to the khan, along with Alexander.Template:Sfn In 1248, Andrey received the title of grand prince of Vladimir, while Alexander received Kiev, Chernigov, and "the entire Russian land".Template:Sfn The two returned in the autumn of 1249.Template:Sfn Andrey began to act independently in relation to the Mongols, and after creating an anti-Mongol coalition, a high-ranking official was sent to punish the princes.Template:Sfn Andrey fled to Novgorod, but was not accepted there, so he was exiled to Sweden.Template:Sfn Alexander assumed the title of grand prince of Vladimir in 1252,Template:Sfn and was therefore the most senior of the princes at the time following the fall of Kiev.^[16]

Alexander faithfully supported Mongol rule within his own domains. In 1259, he led an army to the city of Novgorod and forced it to pay tribute it had previously refused to the Golden Horde.Template:Sfn The chronicles say that Alexander had the help of nobles who "thought [the tax] would be easy for themselves, but fall hard on the lesser men".Template:Sfn It then says that "the accursed ones," meaning the Mongols, "began to ride through the streets, writing down the Christian houses".Template:Sfn According to Fennell: "the Tatar yoke began not so much during the invasion of Batu into Russia, but from the moment Alexander Nevsky betrayed his brothers".Template:Sfn

Some historians see Alexander's choice of subordination to the Golden Horde as an important reaffirmation of East Slavs' Orthodox orientation (which begun under Vladimir the Great and his grandmother Olga of Kiev).^[17] Orlando Figes mentioned that "Nevsky's collaboration was no doubt motivated by his distrust of the West, which he regarded as a greater threat to Orthodox Russia than the Golden Horde (...) But Nevsky's realpolitik caused a problem for the chroniclers, particularly after he was made a saint by the Russian Church in 1547, for in their terms he had colluded with the infidel."^[16]

Family

In 1239, to consolidate power, Alexander married Aleksandra, a daughter of Bryacheslav Vasilkovich, the prince of the Principality of Polotsk.^[10]Template:Sfn They had five children:

Vasily, prince of Novgorod (c. 1239 – 1271), betrothed to Princess Kristina of Norway in 1251 before the marriage contract was broken;
Eudoxia Alexandrovna, married Konstantin Rostislavich of Smolensk;
Dmitry of Pereslavl (c. 1250 – 1294), prince of Pereslavl and grand prince of Vladimir;Template:Sfn
Andrey of Gorodets (c. 1255 – 1304), prince of Gorodets and grand prince of Vladimir;Template:Sfn
Daniel of Moscow (1261–1303), prince of Moscow.^[18]Template:Sfn

Death and burial

In 1263, Nevsky visited Berke, leader of the Golden Horde, in a diplomatic mission.^[19] On 14 November 1263, while returning from Sarai, Alexander died in the town of Gorodets-on-the-Volga. On 23 November 1263, he was buried in the church of the Monastery of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God in Vladimir.^[20]Template:Sfn

From the Second Pskovian Chronicle:^[8]

Returning from the Golden Horde, the Great Prince Alexander, reached the city of Nizhny Novgorod, and remained there for several days in good health, but when he reached the city of Gorodets he fell ill...
Great Prince Alexander, who was always firm in his faith in God, gave up this worldly kingdom ... And then he gave up his soul to God and died in peace on 12 November [1263], on the day when the Holy Apostle Philip is remembered...
At this burial Metropolitan Archbishop Cyril said, 'Mychildren, you should know that the sun of the Suzdalian land has set. There will never be another prince like him in the Suzdalian land.'
And the priests and deacons and monks, the poor and the wealthy, and all the people said: 'It is our end.'

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Veneration and sainthood

Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The veneration of Alexander began almost immediately after his burial, when he reportedly extended his hand for the prayer of absolution.^[20]

According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, on his death bed, Alexander took the Great Schema, strict monastic vows, and took the name Alexey.^[21]

In 1380, Alexander's remains were uncovered in response to a vision before the Battle of Kulikovo and found to be incorrupt. The relics were then placed in a shrine in the church. Alexander was canonized as a saint of the Russian Orthodox Church by Macarius, Metropolitan of Moscow in 1547.^[20]

In 1695, a wooden reliquary was made in Moscow, and the relics were placed in it in 1697.^[20] By order of Peter the Great, the relics were removed from Vladimir on 11 August 1723 and transported to Shlisselburg, arriving there on 20 September.^[20] They were kept there until 1724, when they were brought to Saint Petersburg and installed in the Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra on 30 August 1724.^[20]

In 1753, a silver shrine with sarcophagus for the relics, made from 90 pounds of silver, was donated by Empress Elizabeth of Russia. With the completion of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in 1790, the shrine and relics were translated there at its consecration on 30 August, one of the saint's feast days.^[20]

File:Opening of relics 03.jpg

1922 opening of Nevsky's relics

During the 1922 seizure of church valuables in Russia, the sarcophagus was opened and the relics were removed. The elaborate silver shrine was transferred to the Hermitage Museum.^[22] The relics were put into storage at the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism, before being returned to Holy Trinity Cathedral in 1989.^[22] On 10 May 2023, the Hermitage Museum and Alexander Nevsky Lavra signed a contract for the transfer of the shrine to Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra for 49 years.^[22] On 12 September 2023, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow returned the relics into the silver sarcophagus.^[23]

Alexander's principal feast day is 23 November (Old Style Calendar) or December 6 (New Style Calendar).^[24] A secondary feast day was instituted on 30 August (Old Style Calendar) or September 12 (New Style Calendar) in commemoration of his relics being placed in the Annunciation Church.^[25]

In February 2024, the memorial of Saint Alexander Nevsky was deleted from the synaxarion of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The exaltation of Alexander Nevsky has been used as religious justification of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.^[26]

Legacy

Life of Alexander Nevsky (Житие Александра Невского) is a chronicle compiled in the late 13th century, in which Nevsky is depicted as an ideal prince-soldier and defender of Russia.

Life of Alexander Nevsky is a Russian illuminated manuscript of the 1560s that includes 83 illuminations and text that describe the life and achievements of Alexander Nevsky.

On 21 May 1725, Catherine I of Russia introduced the imperial Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky as one of the highest decorations in Russia. In 1942, during World War II, Soviet Union authorities introduced a Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky to revive the memory of Nevsky's battles with the Germans.^[27]^[28]

In 1938, Sergei Eisenstein made one of his most acclaimed films, Alexander Nevsky, about Alexander's victory over the Teutonic Knights. The film is an instructive parable on German aggression and the struggle to protect Russia; the film cemented the storyline of Nevsky as the savior of Russia.^[29] The soundtrack for the film was written by Sergei Prokofiev, who also reworked the score into a concert cantata. The film is renowned for its depiction of the Battle on the Ice, which has served as inspiration for many other films. In the film, Nevsky used Russian proverbs, tying him firmly to Russian tradition. The proverbial phrase (paraphrasing Matthew 26:52), "Whoever will come to us with a sword, from a sword will perish," is a phrase that came from Eisenstein's film, where it was said by actor Nikolay Cherkasov, who played Nevsky.^[7]

During World War II, many Soviet historians portrayed Nevsky as a Russian bastion against both German and papal aggression.Template:Sfn The government sought historical continuity by referring to the Soviet struggle as the Great Patriotic War.^[27] The film Alexander Nevsky was re-released in 1941 following Operation Barbarossa;^[30] Joseph Stalin used the film to mobilize feelings of Russian patriotism.^[31]

There have been several Russian naval vessels named after Nevsky including:

the 19th-century propeller frigate Alexander Nevsky
Russian submarine Alexander Nevsky (K-550), a nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine currently in service with the Russian Navy
The U.S. S.S. Henry W. Corbett, launched in 1943 in Portland, Oregon, which was lent to the U.S.S.R. during World War II and never returned; instead it was renamed the Alexander Nevsky.

In 2008, Nevsky was declared the main hero of the history of Russia by popular vote. In December 2008, he was voted the greatest Russian in the Name of Russia television poll.^[32]

In September 2022, an all-volunteer battalion tactical group to support the Russian invasion of Ukraine was named after Nevsky.^[33]

Alexander Beglov, governor of Saint Petersburg erected a statue of Nevsky in Mariupol after the city was devastated during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.^[33]

Notable places

Alexander Nevsky Bridge in Saint Petersburg
Nevsky District, district of Saint Petersburg, Russia
Nevsky Prospect, the main street of Saint Petersburg
Nevskoye Microdistrict, a part of Kaliningrad, Russia

Buildings

File:AlexanderNevskyCathedral-Sofia-6.jpg

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia

There are notable buildings named after Nevsky, mostly in places where the Russian Orthodox Church had a strong influence, as follows: Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

Alexander Nevsky Lavra, Saint Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1710
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Paris
Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky (Volgograd)
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Yalta
Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Allison Park
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Howell

Gallery

Saint Alexander Nevsky, 1666 fresco in the Cathedral of the Archangel, Moscow

Saint Alexander Nevsky, 1666 fresco in the Cathedral of the Archangel, Moscow
Prince Alexander Nevsky receiving Papal legates, painting by Henryk Siemiradzki (1870s)

Prince Alexander Nevsky receiving Papal legates, painting by Henryk Siemiradzki (1870s)
A statue of Alexander Nevsky in Gorodets

A statue of Alexander Nevsky in Gorodets
Icon of Alexander Nevsky with scenes from his life - Nevyansk, Bogatyrev Workshop (1820s-30s)

Icon of Alexander Nevsky with scenes from his life - Nevyansk, Bogatyrev Workshop (1820s-30s)
Icon of Alexander Nevsky with scenes - Pokrovsky Cathedral, Moscow (16th Century)

Icon of Alexander Nevsky with scenes - Pokrovsky Cathedral, Moscow (16th Century)
Mosaic icon on the iconostasis of the Savior on Spilled Blood "Alexander Nevsky" - Mikhail Nesterov (1894-1895)

Mosaic icon on the iconostasis of the Savior on Spilled Blood "Alexander Nevsky" - Mikhail Nesterov (1894-1895)

Notes

Template:Notelist

References

Template:Reflist

Bibliography

Primary sources

Livonian Rhymed Chronicle (LRC, Template:Circa 1290s).
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Synod Scroll (Older Redaction) of the Novgorod First Chronicle (NPL, Template:Circa 1315).
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Literature

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External links

Template:Sister project

Repose of Saint Alexander Nevsky Orthodox icon and synaxarion (23 November)
Synaxis of the Saints of Rostov and Yaroslavl (23 May)
Translation of the relics of Saint Alexander Nevsky (30 August)

Template:S-end Template:Subject bar Template:Russian sovereigns Template:Authority control

Regnal titles
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Alexander Nevsky: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:35, 15 September 2025

Contents

Early life

Reign

Prince of Novgorod (1236–1240; 1241–1256; 1258–1259)

Second Swedish Crusade and the Battle of the Neva (1240)

1240 Izborsk and Pskov campaign

1240–1241 Votia campaign

Battle on the Ice (1242)

Grand Prince of Vladimir (1252–1263)

Family

Death and burial

Veneration and sainthood

Legacy

Notable places

Buildings

See also

Gallery

Notes

References

Bibliography

Primary sources

Literature

Further reading

External links

Navigation menu

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-'''Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky'''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Благоверный князь Алекса́ндр (в схиме Алекси́й) Невский|url=https://azbyka.ru/days/sv-aleksandr-v-shime-aleksij-nevskij|access-date=26 August 2021|website=azbyka.ru|language=ru|archive-date=26 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826125209/https://azbyka.ru/days/sv-aleksandr-v-shime-aleksij-nevskij|url-status=live}}</ref> ({{langx|ru|Александр Ярославич Невский}}; {{IPA|ru|ɐlʲɪˈksandr jɪrɐˈsɫavʲɪtɕ ˈnʲɛfskʲɪj|IPA|Ru-Alexander Nevsky.ogg}}; [[monastic name]]: ''Aleksiy'';<ref>{{cite book |title=Православные храмы Москвы |date=1988 |publisher=Изд. Московской Патриархии |page=21 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V5EPAQAAIAAJ |language=en}}</ref> 13 May 1221<ref name="rozhdenia">{{cite journal |url= http://www.maxknow.ru/images/upload/articles45/1160.htm |script-title= ru:О дате рождения Александра Невского |trans-title= About the Birthdate of Alexander Nevsky |journal= Вопросы истории [Questions of History] |author= V.A. Kuchkin |date= 1986 |issue= 2 |pages= 174–176 |language= ru |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222201904/http://www.maxknow.ru/images/upload/articles45/1160.htm |archive-date=22 February 2015}}</ref> – 14 November 1263) was [[Prince of Novgorod]] (1236–1240; 1241–1256; 1258–1259), [[Grand Prince of Kiev]] (1249–1263), and [[Grand Prince of Vladimir]] (1252–1263).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Morby |first1=John E. |title=Dynasties of the world: a chronological and genealogical handbook |date=2002 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=9780198604730 |page=168}}</ref>
+'''Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://azbyka.ru/days/sv-aleksandr-v-shime-aleksij-nevskij |title=Благоверный князь Алекса́ндр (в схиме Алекси́й) Невский |website=azbyka.ru |language=ru |archive-date=26 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826125209/https://azbyka.ru/days/sv-aleksandr-v-shime-aleksij-nevskij|url-status=live}}</ref> ({{langx|ru|Александр Ярославич Невский}}; {{IPA|ru|ɐlʲɪˈksandr jɪrɐˈsɫavʲɪtɕ ˈnʲɛfskʲɪj|IPA|Ru-Alexander Nevsky.ogg}}; [[monastic name]]: ''Aleksiy'';<ref>{{cite book | title=Православные храмы Москвы | trans-title=Orthodox churches of Moscow | date=1988 | publisher=Изд. Московской Патриархии | page=21 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V5EPAQAAIAAJ | language=ru}}</ref> 13 May 1221<ref name=prlib>{{cite web | url=https://www.prlib.ru/en/history/619274 | title=Grand Prince of Novgorod Alexander Nevsky was born | publisher=Presidential Library of Russia}}</ref> – 14 November 1263)<ref name=prlib/> was [[Prince of Novgorod]] (1236–1240; 1241–1256; 1258–1259) and [[Grand Prince of Vladimir]] (1252–1263).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Morby |first1=John E. |title=Dynasties of the world: a chronological and genealogical handbook |date=2002 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford | isbn=9780198604730 | page=168}}</ref>{{sfn|Vodoff|2000|p=37}}
-Commonly regarded as a key figure in medieval Russian history,{{sfn|Välimäki|2022|loc=xv, "...he became one of the great heroes of Russian history, a defender of Russia against alien forces. This was, however, a later development"}} Alexander was a grandson of [[Vsevolod the Big Nest]] and rose to legendary status on account of his military victories in [[northwestern Russia]] over Swedish invaders in the 1240 [[Battle of the Neva]],{{efn|For this battle, he was nicknamed {{langx|ru|Невский|Nevsky|of the Neva|label=none}}, in the 15th century.{{sfn|Selart|2015|p=144}}}} as well as German crusaders in the 1242 [[Battle on the Ice]].{{sfn|Nazarova|2006|p=42|loc="... renowned for resisting the attacks of German and Swedish crusaders against northwestern Russia"}} He preserved [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodoxy]], agreeing to pay tribute to the powerful [[Golden Horde]]. Metropolitan [[Macarius, Metropolitan of Moscow|Macarius of Moscow]] canonized Alexander Nevsky as a saint of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in 1547.{{sfn|Raffensperger|Ostrowski|2023|p=125}}
+A grandson of [[Vsevolod the Big Nest]], Nevsky rose to legendary status after victories over Swedish invaders in the [[Battle of the Neva]] (1240), which earned him the title "Nevsky" in the 15th century, and over German crusaders in the [[Battle on the Ice]] (1242). He agreed to pay tribute to the [[Golden Horde]], which allowed him to preserve the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], while fighting against foreign powers to the west and the south. [[Macarius, Metropolitan of Moscow]] canonized Alexander Nevsky as a saint of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in 1547.
+Regarded long after his death as "one of the great heroes of Russian history",{{sfn|Välimäki|2022|page=xv}} Nevsky is credited with having "saved the Russian people [from Catholicism and being] enslaved by the Germans".{{sfn|Dukes|1998|page=26}} Nevsky's successes led his image to be used by [[Peter the Great]] in the construction of [[Saint Petersburg]]. His image was also used to promote patriotism in the [[Soviet Union]], especially during [[World War II]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://mospat.ru/en/news/88104/ | title=Metropolitan Hilarion: Alexander Nevsky combined wisdom of a state ruler with personal holiness | work=[[Russian Orthodox Church]]}}</ref> The 1938 film ''[[Alexander Nevsky (film)|Alexander Nevsky]]'' cemented Nevsky's reputation as a Russian savior. Critics of his legacy argue that the size and importance of his military victories were exaggerated for political purposes, and that he helped ensure the Golden Horde's dominance over Russia.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://fakti.bg/en/mnenia/935621-should-the-name-of-alexander-nevsky-be-changed | title=Should the name of Alexander Nevsky be changed? | work=Fakti | date=17 December 2024}}</ref>
 ==Early life==
-Born in [[Pereslavl-Zalessky]] around the year 1220, Alexander was the second son of Prince [[Yaroslav II of Vladimir|Yaroslav Vsevolodovich]].{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=99}} His mother was {{ill|Feodosia Mstislavna|ru|Феодосия Мстиславна}}, daughter of [[Mstislav Mstislavich]] The Bold. From the ''Tales of the Life and Courage of the Pious and Great Prince Alexander'' found in the ''[[Pskov Chronicles|Second Pskovian Chronicle]]'' ({{circa|1260–1280}}) comes one of the first known references to Alexander Yaroslavich:<ref name="Begunov1955p11-15">Begunov, K., translator, ''Second Pskovian Chronicle'', ("Isbornik", Moscow, 1955) pp. 11–15.</ref>
+Born in [[Pereslavl-Zalessky]] on 13 May 1221, or 30 May 1220 based on the old historiographic tradition,<ref name=prlib/> Alexander was the second son of Grand Prince [[Yaroslav II of Vladimir]].{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=99}} His mother was {{ill|Feodosia Mstislavna|ru|Феодосия Мстиславна}}, daughter of [[Mstislav Mstislavich]]. He spent most of his youth in Pereslavl-Zalessky.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=99}} Little is known about the activities of Yaroslav's children before 1238.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=99}} Alexander's eldest brother Fyodor died in 1233 at the age of 14.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=99}}<ref name=truth>{{Cite news | url=https://en.iz.ru/en/1891260/arsenii-zamostanov/god-not-power-truth-how-alexander-nevsky-saved-russia | title="God is not in power, but in truth": how Alexander Nevsky saved Russia | work=[[Izvestia]] | date=30 May 2025}}</ref>
-{{blockquote|
+One of the first known references to Alexander Yaroslavich is in ''Tales of the Life and Courage of the Pious and Great Prince Alexander'' in the ''[[Pskov Chronicles]]'' ({{circa|1260–1280}}):<ref name="Begunov1955p11-15">Begunov, K., translator, ''Second Pskovian Chronicle'', ("Isbornik", Moscow, 1955) pp. 11–15.</ref>
-By the will of God, prince Alexander was born from the
-charitable, people-loving, and meek the Great Prince Yaroslav, and
-his mother was Theodosia. As it was told by the prophet [[Isaiah]]:
-'Thus sayeth the Lord: I appoint the princes because they are
-sacred and I direct them.'
-...He was taller than others and his voice reached the people
+{{blockquote|By the will of God, prince Alexander was born from the charitable, people-loving, and meek the Great Prince Yaroslav, and his mother was Theodosia. As it was told by the prophet [[Isaiah]]: 'Thus sayeth the Lord: I appoint the princes because they are sacred and I direct them.'
-as a trumpet, and his face was like the face of [[Joseph (son of Jacob)|Joseph]], whom
-the Egyptian [[Pharaoh]] placed as next to the king after him of
-Egypt. His power was a part of the power of [[Samson]] and
-God gave him the wisdom of [[Solomon]]... this Prince Alexander: he
-used to defeat but was never defeated...
-}}
-He spent most of his youth in Pereslavl-Zalessky.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=99}} Little is known about the activities of Yaroslav's children before the year 1238.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=99}} Alexander's eldest brother Fyodor died in 1233 at the age of 14.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=99}}
+...He was taller than others and his voice reached the people as a trumpet, and his face was like the face of [[Joseph (son of Jacob)|Joseph]], whom the Egyptian [[Pharaoh]] placed as next to the king after him of Egypt. His power was a part of the power of [[Samson]] and God gave him the wisdom of [[Solomon]]... this Prince Alexander: he used to defeat but was never defeated...}}
 ==Reign==
-===Prince of Novgorod===
+===Prince of Novgorod (1236–1240; 1241–1256; 1258–1259)===
-In 1236, Alexander was appointed by the [[Novgorod Republic|Novgorodians]] to become their [[Prince of Novgorod|prince]] (''[[knyaz]]''), where he had already served as his father's governor in Novgorod.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Murray |first1=Alan V. |title=The Crusades [4 volumes]: An Encyclopedia [4 volumes] |date= 2006 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing US |isbn=978-1-57607-863-1 |page=42 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rETPEAAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Nazarova|2006|p=42}} The Novgorod chronicle describes how Yaroslav left his son Alexander in Novgorod and took with him "senior Novgorodians" and a hundred men from Torzhok and "sat in Kiev upon the throne".{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=75}}
+[[File:Seal of Alexander Nevsky 1236.png|thumb|Seal of Aleksandr Yaroslavich (front and back) with images of the prince himself as a horseman and saint [[Theodore Stratelates]]. After 1236.]]
+In 1236, Alexander was appointed by the [[Novgorod Republic]] as the [[prince of Novgorod]] (''[[knyaz]]''), where he had already served as his father's governor in Novgorod.<ref>{{cite book | last=Murray | first=Alan V. | title=The Crusades [4 volumes]: An Encyclopedia [4 volumes] | date=2006 | publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] | page=42 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rETPEAAAQBAJ | isbn=978-1-57607-863-1}}</ref>{{sfn|Nazarova|2006|p=42}} He was chosen for the position by his father, but the decision was approved by the ''[[veche]]'', which needed his armies.<ref name=reign>{{Cite journal | url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/48578310 | title=The reign of Alexander Nevsky | first1=Artis | last1=Aboltins | first2=Erich | last2=Anderson | journal=Medieval Warfare | via=[[JSTOR]] | year=2014| volume=4 | issue=1 | pages=6–10 | jstor=48578310 }}</ref> The Novgorod chronicle describes how Yaroslav left his son, Alexander, in Novgorod and took with him "senior Novgorodians" and a hundred men from Torzhok and "sat in Kiev upon the throne".{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=75}} When his father was called away in 1238 because of a Mongol invasion of Northeastern Russia, Alexander began to rule on his own.<ref name=reign/>
+In the [[Battle of the Sit River]] (1238), in which the Mongols effectively conquered the [[Grand Principality of Vladimir]], reigning prince [[Yuri II of Vladimir]] was killed. His younger brother, [[Yaroslav II of Vladimir]] (Alexander's father), requested and received from the Mongol khan his permission to become the new prince. As prince, he assigned Novgorod to his son Alexander.<ref name=historylaw>{{cite book |last=Feldbrugge | first=Ferdinand J. M. | title=A History of Russian Law: From Ancient Times to the Council Code (Ulozhenie) of Tsar Aleksei Mikhailovich of 1649 | date=2017 | publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] | isbn=978-90-04-35214-8 | page=36 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TDI9DwAAQBAJ}}</ref>
+Alexander continued to enforce the anti-Western views of his family, which made him unpopular among the ''veche''.<ref name=reign/>
+====Second Swedish Crusade and the Battle of the Neva (1240)====
+In 1240, three years after obtaining papal authorization, the Swedes launched the [[Second Swedish Crusade]] in the easternmost part of the Baltic region.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|pp=216–217}} The Finnish mission's eastward expansion led to a clash between Sweden and the city-state of the [[Novgorod Republic]], since the [[Karelians]] had been allies and tributaries of Novgorod since the mid-12th century.{{sfn|Nicolle|1997|page=51}} The Swedish army was led by [[Birger Jarl]] and consisted of Norwegians and Finnish tribes.{{sfn|Nicolle|1997|page=51}} After a successful campaign into [[Tavastia (historical province)|Tavastia]], the Swedes advanced further east.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|pp=216-217}}{{sfn|Nicolle|1997|page=53}} According to Russian sources, the Swedish army landed at the confluence of the rivers [[Izhora]] and [[Neva]] in [[northwestern Russia]], when Alexander and his small army suddenly attacked the Swedes on 15 July 1240 and defeated them in the [[Battle of the Neva]].{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=104}}<ref>{{cite book | last=Line | first=Philip | title=Kingship and State Formation in Sweden 1130-1290 | date=31 March 2007 | publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] | isbn=978-90-474-1983-9 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wOCvCQAAQBAJ | quote=This 'Second' Crusade to Finland was, according to Russian sources, immediately followed by the unsuccessful Swedish expedition to the Neva, which was thwarted by the Novgorodians}}</ref>
+The battle is not mentioned in any Swedish sources; all accounts of the battle are from two Russian sources, which are largely inadequate. Although some Russian sources written centuries later describe its as a very large battle, it is not clear if it was a huge battle or just part of periodic clashes between Sweden and Novgorod that was exaggerated for political purposes.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=104}}<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://warhistory.org/@msw/article/battle-of-the-neva-1240 | title=Battle of the Neva, (1240) | work=War History | date=24 November 2015}}</ref> Soviet-era historian [[Igor Pavlovich Shaskol'skii]] suggested that the attack was coordinated, referring to the ''[[Life of Alexander Nevsky]]'', the only Russian source besides the ''[[First Novgorod Chronicle]]'' that mentions the battle, in which it is stated that the Swedes intended to conquer [[Novgorod]].{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=104}} However, according to [[John Lister Illingworth Fennell]]: "there is no evidence of any coordination of action between the Swedes, the Germans and the Danes, nor is there anything to show that this was more than a continuation of the Russo-Swedish conflict for mastery over Finland and Karelia".{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=104}}
-In 1237, the Swedes received papal authorization to [[Second Swedish Crusade|launch a crusade]], and in 1240, new campaigns began in the easternmost part of the Baltic region.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|pp=216–217|loc=In 1240 new campaigns were launched... first was organized by the Swedes... obtained papal authorization in 1237}} The Finnish mission's eastward expansion led to a clash between Sweden and the city-state of [[Novgorod Republic|Novgorod]], since the [[Karelians]] had been allies and tributaries of Novgorod since the mid-12th century.{{sfn|Nicolle|1997|page=51}} The Swedish army was led by [[Birger Jarl]] and consisted of Norwegians and Finnish tribes.{{sfn|Nicolle|1997|page=51}} After a successful campaign into [[Tavastia (historical province)|Tavastia]], the Swedes advanced further east.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|pp=216-217}}{{sfn|Nicolle|1997|page=53}} According to Russian sources, the Swedish army landed at the confluence of the rivers [[Izhora]] and [[Neva]], when Alexander and his small army suddenly attacked the Swedes on 15 July 1240 and defeated them in the [[Battle of the Neva]].{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=104}}<ref name="Philip">{{cite book |last1=Line |first1=Philip |title=Kingship and State Formation in Sweden 1130-1290 |date=31 March 2007 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-474-1983-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wOCvCQAAQBAJ |language=en |quote=This 'Second' Crusade to Finland was, according to Russian sources, immediately followed by the unsuccessful Swedish expedition to the Neva, which was thwarted by the Novgorodians}}</ref>
+The event was later depicted as being of national importance, and in the 15th century, Alexander received the [[sobriquet]] ''Nevsky'' ("of the Neva").{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|pp=216–217}}{{sfn|Selart|2015|p=144}}{{sfn|Nazarova|2006|p=42}}
-The event was later depicted as being of national importance, and in the 15th century, Alexander received the [[sobriquet]] ''Nevsky'' ("of the Neva").{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|pp=216–217|loc=The Russian victory was later depicted as an event of great national importance and Prince Alexander was given the sobriquet "Nevskii"}}{{sfn|Selart|2015|p=144}}{{sfn|Nazarova|2006|p=42}} The Soviet-era historian [[Igor Pavlovich Shaskol'skii|Igor Shaskolsky]] suggested that the attack was coordinated, referring to the ''[[Life of Alexander Nevsky]]'', the only Russian source besides the ''[[First Novgorod Chronicle]]'' that mentions the battle, in which it is stated that the Swedes intended to conquer [[Novgorod]].{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=104}} According to [[John Lister Illingworth Fennell|John Fennell]]: "there is no evidence of any coordination of action between the Swedes, the Germans and the Danes, nor is there anything to show that this was more than a continuation of the Russo-Swedish conflict for mastery over Finland and Karelia".{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=104}} The battle is not mentioned in Swedish sources, and so was likely part of periodic clashes between Sweden and Novgorod.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=104}}
+====1240 Izborsk and Pskov campaign====
+In the September [[1240 Izborsk and Pskov campaign]], troops of the [[Bishopric of Dorpat]], the [[Livonian Order]], and the exiled pretender-prince {{ill|Yaroslav Vladimirovich of Pskov|ru|Ярослав Владимирович (князь псковский)|be|Яраслаў Уладзіміравіч (князь пскоўскі)|lt=Yaroslav of Pskov}} overthrew the pro-[[Suzdal]] faction which supported Alexander.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}}{{sfn|Selart|2015|p=159}}
-In September 1240, troops of the [[Bishopric of Dorpat]], the [[Livonian Order]] and the exiled pretender-prince {{ill|Yaroslav Vladimirovich of Pskov|ru|Ярослав Владимирович (князь псковский)|be|Яраслаў Уладзіміравіч (князь пскоўскі)|lt=Yaroslav of Pskov}} conducted [[1240 Izborsk and Pskov campaign|a campaign]] in [[Izborsk]] and [[Pskov]], successfully overthrowing the pro-[[Suzdal]] faction which had supported Alexander.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}}{{sfn|Selart|2015|p=159}} Shortly thereafter, either in late 1240 or early 1241, the Novgorodians rose up against Alexander and banished him to [[Pereslavl-Zalessky]].{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}}{{sfn|Selart|2015|p=159}}
+In late 1240 or early 1241, fearing the undue influence of Alexander over the [[veche]] and amid fears of him becoming a sole ruler, the Novgorodians banished Alexander to [[Pereslavl-Zalessky]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://en.iz.ru/en/1801056/2024-12-05/december-6-alexander-nevsky-memorial-day-history-and-traditions-holiday | title=December 6 - Alexander Nevsky Memorial Day: history and traditions of the holiday | work=[[Izvestia]] | date=6 December 2024}}</ref>{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}}{{sfn|Selart|2015|p=159}}
+====1240–1241 Votia campaign====
 [[File:Facial Chronicle - b.06, p.068 - Execution of vod and chud.jpg|thumb|Execution of [[Vots]] and [[Chud]]s by Alexander Nevsky in Koporye, during the [[1240–1241 Votia campaign]] (16th-century miniature)]]
-That same winter, [[1240–1241 Votia campaign|a campaign]] into [[Votia]] was conducted by the [[Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek]], the [[Livonian Order]], as well as Estonians (''[[Chud']]'') with support from local Votian leaders.{{sfn|Selart|2015|pp=154–155}} It is unclear whether Votia was a tributary of Novgorod at this time, or not.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}}{{sfn|Selart|2015|p=156}} According to [[Anti Selart]], the allies likely only intended to acquire pagan lands and convert them to Catholicism, rather than attacking Novgorod, which was already Christianized.{{sfn|Selart|2015|pp=156–157}} On the other hand, the campaign was "a purely political undertaking which had nothing to do with conversion of pagans".{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=220}} Although the [[Northern Crusades]] were aimed at pagan [[Balts]] and [[Finns]], rather than Orthodox Russians, several unsuccessful attempts were made to persuade Novgorod to convert to Catholicism, which were resisted by Alexander.{{sfn|Nicolle|1997|pages=11–15}}{{sfn|Nazarova|2006|p=43}}
+In the winter [[1240–1241 Votia campaign]], the [[Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek]], the [[Livonian Order]], as well as Estonians (''[[Chud']]'') with support from local Votian leaders attacked [[Votia]]. It is unclear whether or not Votia was a tributary of Novgorod at this time.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}}{{sfn|Selart|2015|p=156}} {{sfn|Selart|2015|pp=154–155}} According to [[Anti Selart]], the allies likely only intended to acquire pagan lands and convert them to Catholicism, rather than attacking Novgorod, which was already Christianized.{{sfn|Selart|2015|pp=156–157}} On the other hand, the campaign was "a purely political undertaking which had nothing to do with conversion of pagans".{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=220}} Although the [[Northern Crusades]] were aimed at pagan [[Balts]] and [[Finns]], rather than Orthodox Russians, several unsuccessful attempts were made to persuade Novgorod to convert to Catholicism, which were resisted by Alexander.{{sfn|Nicolle|1997|pages=11–15}}{{sfn|Nazarova|2006|p=43}}
-The Novgorodian authorities recalled Alexander, and in the spring of 1241, he returned from exile and assembled an army. Alexander managed to retake Pskov and [[Koporye]] from the crusaders and drive out the invaders.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218|loc=After pleas from Novgorod Alexander returned in 1241 and marched against Kopor'e. Having conquered the fortress and captured the remaining Latin Christians, he executed those local Votians who had cooperated with the invaders.}} He then continued into Estonian-German territory.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}} The crusaders defeated a detachment of the Novgorodian army.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}}{{efn|According to the ''[[Novgorod First Chronicle]]'' (NPL), this battle took place at an unidentified bridge, where the Novgorodians were killed (including commander Domash Tverdislavich), captured or chased away by the ''[[Nemtsy]]'' ("Germans") and ''[[Chud]]{{'}}'' ("Estonians").{{sfn|Michell|Forbes|1914|pp=86–87}}}} As a result, Alexander set up a position at [[Lake Peipus]].{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}} Alexander and his men then faced the Livonian heavy cavalry led by [[Hermann of Dorpat]], brother of [[Albert of Buxhoeveden]], where they met on 5 April 1242.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}} Alexander's army then defeated the enemy in the [[Battle on the Ice]], halting the eastward expansion of the [[Teutonic Order]].<ref>Riley-Smith Jonathan Simon Christopher. ''The Crusades: a History'', US, 1987, {{ISBN|0300101287}}, p. 198.</ref> Later in the same year, the Germans agreed to relinquish control of any Russian territory still occupied, as well as to exchange prisoners of war.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=104}} Later Russian sources would elevate the importance of the battle and portray it as one of the great Russian victories of the Middle Ages.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218|loc=...later to become hailed as one of the great Russian victories of the Middle Ages... scale of the battle was, however, most likely exaggerated in the later Russian sources, as was indeed its significance}}
+====Battle on the Ice (1242)====
+The Novgorodian authorities recalled Alexander, and in the spring of 1241, he returned from exile and assembled an army. Alexander conquered [[Pskov]] and [[Koporye]] from the crusaders, executing the Votians that cooperated with the invaders.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218|loc=After pleas from Novgorod Alexander returned in 1241 and marched against Kopor'e. Having conquered the fortress and captured the remaining Latin Christians, he executed those local Votians who had cooperated with the invaders.}} He then continued into Estonian-German territory.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}} The crusaders defeated a detachment of the Novgorodian army.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}}{{efn|According to the ''[[Novgorod First Chronicle]]'' (NPL), this battle took place at an unidentified bridge, where the Novgorodians were killed (including commander Domash Tverdislavich), captured or chased away by the ''[[Nemtsy]]'' ("Germans") and ''[[Chud]]{{'}}'' ("Estonians").{{sfn|Michell|Forbes|1914|pp=86–87}}}} As a result, Alexander set up a position at [[Lake Peipus]].{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}} On 5 April 1242, in the [[Battle on the Ice]], Alexander and his men faced the Livonian heavy cavalry led by [[Hermann of Dorpat]], brother of [[Albert of Buxhoeveden]].{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218}} Alexander's army defeated the enemy, halting the eastward expansion of the [[Teutonic Order]].<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OmSsBDy1G0EC | author=Riley-Smith Jonathan Simon Christopher | title=The Crusades: a History | publisher=[[Yale University Press]] | year=1987 | isbn=0300101287 | page=198}}</ref> Later in 1242, the Germans agreed to relinquish control of any Russian territory still occupied and to exchange prisoners of war.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=104}} Later Russian sources elevated the importance of the battle and portray it as one of the great Russian victories of the Middle Ages.{{sfn|Fonnesberg-Schmidt|2007|p=218|loc=...later to become hailed as one of the great Russian victories of the Middle Ages... scale of the battle was, however, most likely exaggerated in the later Russian sources, as was indeed its significance}}
 The ''[[Livonian Rhymed Chronicle]]'' narrates the events of the battle:
@@ Line 83: / Line 88: @@
 }}
-After the Livonian invasion, Nevsky continued to strengthen the Republic of Novgorod. He sent his envoys to Norway and, as a result, they signed a first peace treaty between Novgorod and Norway in 1251. Alexander led his army to Finland and successfully routed the Swedes, who had made another attempt to block the [[Baltic Sea]] from the Novgorodians in 1256.{{sfn|Michell|Forbes|1914|p=95}}{{npsn|date=November 2024}} In 1261, Alexander also concluded a treaty with Lithuanian king [[Mindaugas]] against the Livonian Order, but the planned attack failed as Alexander was summoned to Sarai by the khan.{{sfn|Nazarova|2006|p=43}}
+A Soviet evaluation presented Alexander's victories as having "saved the Russian people from sharing the fate of the Baltic tribes and the Slavs of the Elbe who were enslaved by the Germans".{{sfn|Dukes|1998|page=26}} [[Igor Pavlovich Shaskol'skii|Igor Shaskovsky]] called the offensive the largest during the feudal period.{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|p=42}} On the other hand, historians like Fennell have doubted that this victory was a turning point in Russian history.{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|p=42}} He notes that the chronicle of [[Suzdal]] downplays the event to the point that Alexander's brother Andrey is seen as the hero.{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|pp=42–43}}
-===Grand Prince of Vladimir===
+After the Livonian invasion, Nevsky continued to strengthen the Republic of Novgorod. He sent envoys to Norway and, as a result, a first peace treaty between Novgorod and Norway was signed in 1251. Alexander defeated the Swedes in Finland after they made another attempt to block the [[Baltic Sea]] from the Novgorodians in 1256.{{sfn|Michell|Forbes|1914|p=95}}{{primary source inline|date=November 2024}} In 1261, Alexander also made a treaty with Lithuanian king [[Mindaugas]] against the Livonian Order, but the planned attack failed as Alexander was summoned to Sarai by the khan.{{sfn|Nazarova|2006|p=43}}
-[[File:Seal of Alexander Nevsky 1236.png|thumb|Seal of Aleksandr Yaroslavich (front and back) with images of the prince himself as a horseman and saint [[Theodore Stratelates]]. After 1236.]]
-Upon the conquest of the [[Grand Principality of Vladimir]] by the Mongols in 1238,<ref name="Feldbrugge">{{cite book |last1=Feldbrugge |first1=Ferdinand J. M. |title=A History of Russian Law: From Ancient Times to the Council Code (Ulozhenie) of Tsar Aleksei Mikhailovich of 1649 |date= 2017 |publisher=Brill |isbn=978-90-04-35214-8 |page=36 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TDI9DwAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref> its reigning prince, [[Yuri II of Vladimir|Yuri II Vsevolodovich]], was killed in the [[Battle of the Sit River]]; his younger brother, [[Yaroslav II of Vladimir|Yaroslav II Vsevolodovich]] (Alexander's father), requested and received from the Mongol khan his permission to become the new prince. As prince, he assigned Novgorod to his son Alexander. However, while traveling in 1245 to the Mongol capital [[Karakorum]] in Central Asia, Yaroslav died. When, in 1248, Alexander and his older brother [[Andrey II of Vladimir|Andrey II Yaroslavich]] also traveled to Karakorum to attend upon the Great Khan, Andrey received the title of [[grand prince of Vladimir]] and Alexander the nominal lordship of Kiev.<ref name="Feldbrugge"/> The two returned in the autumn of 1249.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=107}}
+===Grand Prince of Vladimir (1252–1263)===
+Yaroslav was summoned to [[Karakorum]], after which he fell ill and died on 30 September 1246.{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|p=44}} At a council in Vladimir held the following year, it was decided that Yaroslav's brother Svyatoslav would become grand prince, while Alexander would receive the [[Principality of Tver]] in addition to remaining as the prince of Novgorod.{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|p=44}} The [[Rurikid]] princes were obliged to appear before the khans in person, pay homage to them and receive their ''[[jarlig]]'' (patent) to be affirmed in their principalities.{{efn|"The khans were recognized as suzerains of the Riurikid princes. Within the Rus' lands, however, they exercised their authority primarily through the dynasty. But the khans appointed and confirmed individual princes within the dynasty for each ruling position. Riurikid princes were, accordingly required to appear personally before the khans to pay obeisance and receive their patents to rule."{{sfn|Martin|2007|p=173}}}}{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|p=44}} Svyatoslav did not go to the khan for confirmation, which caused [[Mikhail Khorobrit]] to expel his brother from Vladimir and claim the throne.{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|p=44}} Mikhail later died in a battle against the Lithuanians in 1248, which led to [[Moscow]] being without a prince.{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|p=44}}
+Alexander's older brother [[Andrey II of Vladimir|Andrey]] was dissatisfied with the decision made at the council and he went to the khan, along with Alexander.{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|p=44}} In 1248, Andrey received the title of [[grand prince of Vladimir]], while Alexander received Kiev, Chernigov, and "the entire Russian land".{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|p=45}} The two returned in the autumn of 1249.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=107}} Andrey began to act independently in relation to the Mongols, and after creating an anti-Mongol coalition, a high-ranking official was sent to punish the princes.{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|p=45}} Andrey fled to Novgorod, but was not accepted there, so he was exiled to Sweden.{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|pp=45–46}} Alexander assumed the title of grand prince of Vladimir in 1252,{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|pp=45,46}} and was therefore the most senior of the princes at the time following the fall of Kiev.<ref name="Figes">{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JBeHEAAAQBAJ | last=Figes | first=Orlando | authorlink=Orlando Figes | title=The Story of Russia | publisher=[[Metropolitan Books]] | year=2022 | pages=38–39| isbn=978-1-5266-3176-3 }}</ref>
+Alexander faithfully supported Mongol rule within his own domains. In 1259, he led an army to the city of Novgorod and forced it to pay tribute it had previously refused to the Golden Horde.{{sfn|Martin|2007|pp=168–170}} The chronicles say that Alexander had the help of nobles who "thought [the tax] would be easy for themselves, but fall hard on the lesser men".{{sfn|Favereau|2021|p=132}} It then says that "the accursed ones," meaning the Mongols, "began to ride through the streets, writing down the Christian houses".{{sfn|Favereau|2021|p=132}} According to Fennell: "the Tatar yoke began not so much during the invasion of Batu into Russia, but from the moment Alexander Nevsky betrayed his brothers".{{sfn|Shaikhutdinov|2021|pp=45–46}}
-The [[Rurikids|Rurikid]] princes of Rus' were obliged to appear before the khans in person, pay homage to them and receive their ''[[jarlig]]'' (patent) to be affirmed in their principalities.{{efn|"The khans were recognized as suzerains of the Riurikid princes. Within the Rus' lands, however, they exercised their authority primarily through the dynasty. But the khans appointed and confirmed individual princes within the dynasty for each ruling position. Riurikid princes were, accordingly required to appear personally before the khans to pay obeisance and receive their patents to rule."{{sfn|Martin|2007|p=173}}}} When [[Möngke Khan|Möngke]] became the new great khan in 1251, only two years after [[Güyük Khan|Guyuk]]'s death, he demanded another appearance at [[Sarai (city)|Sarai]] on the [[Volga]], but Andrey refused to go.{{sfn|Martin|2007|p=178}} Thanks to his friendship with [[Sartaq Khan]], the subsequent invasion by the Mongols, their first venture into northeastern Rus' since the initial conquest, saw Andrey exiled to Sweden and Alexander assuming the title of [[grand prince of Vladimir]] in 1252,{{sfn|Martin|2007|pp=158–161, 178}} the most senior of the princes at the time following the fall of Kiev.<ref name="Figes">{{Cite book |last=Figes |first=Orlando |title=The Story of Russia |publisher=Metropolitan Books |year=2022 |pages=38–39|quote=In 1252, Nevsky travelled to Sarai, where Batu Khan appointed him the grand prince of Vladimir, the most senior of the princes following the fall of Kiev. He acted as the Mongols' loyal servant, suppressing a rebellion in Novgorod and other towns against their census officials. Nevsky's collaboration was no doubt motivated by his distrust of the West, which he regarded as a greater threat to Orthodox Russia than the Golden Horde, generally tolerant of religions. He recognised the Mongols as powerful protectors of the lucrative north Russian trade with the Baltic Germans and Sweden. But Nevsky's realpolitik caused a problem for the chroniclers, particularly after he was made a saint by the Russian Church in 1547, for in their terms he had colluded with the infidel.}}</ref> Alexander faithfully supported Mongol rule within his own domains. In 1259, he led an army to the city of Novgorod and forced it to pay tribute it had previously refused to the Golden Horde.{{sfn|Martin|2007|pp=168–170}}
+Some historians see Alexander's choice of subordination to the [[Golden Horde]] as an important reaffirmation of East Slavs' Orthodox orientation (which begun under [[Vladimir the Great]] and his grandmother [[Olga of Kiev]]).<ref>{{cite book |title=Sveriges Österland. Från forntiden till Gustav Vasa |last=Tarkiainen |first=Kari |year=2008 |pages=96–97 |publisher=[[Society of Swedish Literature in Finland]] |location=Helsingfors |language=sv |isbn=978-951-583-162-0}}</ref> [[Orlando Figes]] mentioned that "Nevsky's collaboration was no doubt motivated by his distrust of the West, which he regarded as a greater threat to Orthodox Russia than the Golden Horde (...) But Nevsky's ''realpolitik'' caused a problem for the chroniclers, particularly after he was made a saint by the Russian Church in 1547, for in their terms he had colluded with the infidel."<ref name="Figes"/>
 ==Family==
+In 1239, to consolidate power, Alexander married Aleksandra, a daughter of Bryacheslav Vasilkovich, the prince of the [[Principality of Polotsk]].<ref name=reign/>{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=102}} They had five children:
-In 1242, Alexander married Aleksandra, a daughter of Bryacheslav Vasilkovich, the prince of [[Principality of Polotsk|Polotsk]].{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=102}} They had five children:
+* Vasily, prince of Novgorod (c. 1239 – 1271), betrothed to [[Princess Kristina of Norway]] in 1251 before the marriage contract was broken;
+* Eudoxia Alexandrovna, married Konstantin Rostislavich of [[Smolensk]];
-*Vasily, prince of Novgorod (c. 1239 – 1271), betrothed to [[Princess Kristina of Norway]] in 1251 before the marriage contract was broken;
+* [[Dmitry of Pereslavl]] (c. 1250 – 1294), prince of Pereslavl and grand prince of Vladimir;{{sfn|Fennell|2022|loc=AppendixB}}
-*Eudoxia Alexandrovna, married Konstantin Rostislavich of [[Smolensk]];
+* [[Andrey of Gorodets]] (c. 1255 – 1304), prince of Gorodets and grand prince of Vladimir;{{sfn|Fennell|2022|loc=AppendixB}}
-*[[Dmitry of Pereslavl|Dmitry]] (c. 1250 – 1294), prince of Pereslavl and grand prince of Vladimir;{{sfn|Fennell|2022|loc=AppendixB}}
+* [[Daniel of Moscow]] (1261–1303), prince of Moscow.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://en.danilovsky.ru/istoriya | title=History of the hotel | publisher=St. Danilovsky Monastery }}</ref>{{sfn|Fennell|2022|loc=AppendixB}}
-*[[Andrey of Gorodets]] (c. 1255 –  1304), prince of Gorodets and grand prince of Vladimir;{{sfn|Fennell|2022|loc=AppendixB}}
-*[[Daniel of Moscow]] (1261–1303), prince of Moscow.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://msdm.ru/eng/index.htm |title="History", St. Daniel Monastery, Moscow |access-date=27 January 2019 |archive-date=24 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524152613/http://msdm.ru/eng/index.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{sfn|Fennell|2022|loc=AppendixB}}
 ==Death and burial==
-On 14 November 1263, while returning from [[Sarai (city)|Sarai]] on one of his frequent visits to the Horde, Alexander died in the town of [[Gorodets, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast|Gorodets]]-on-the-[[Volga]]. On 23 November 1263, he was buried in the church of the Monastery of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God in [[Vladimir, Russia|Vladimir]].<ref name="oca"/>{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=88}}
+In 1263, Nevsky visited [[Berke]], leader of the Golden Horde, in a diplomatic mission.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://pravoslavie.ru/99182.html | title=Repose of St Alexander Nevsky | work=Pravoslavie}}</ref> On 14 November 1263, while returning from [[Sarai (city)|Sarai]], Alexander died in the town of [[Gorodets, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast|Gorodets]]-on-the-[[Volga]]. On 23 November 1263, he was buried in the church of the Monastery of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God in [[Vladimir, Russia|Vladimir]].<ref name=relics/>{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=88}}
 From the ''Second Pskovian Chronicle'':<ref name=Begunov1955p11-15/>
+{{blockquote|Returning from the Golden Horde, the Great Prince Alexander, reached the city of Nizhny Novgorod, and remained there for several days in good health, but when he reached the city of Gorodets he fell ill...
-{{blockquote|
+Great Prince Alexander, who was always firm in his faith in God, gave up this worldly kingdom ... And then he gave up his soul to God and died in peace on 12 November [1263], on the day when the Holy Apostle Philip is remembered...
-Returning from the Golden Horde, the Great Prince Alexander,
-reached the city of Nizhny Novgorod, and remained there
-for several days in good health, but when he reached the
-city of Gorodets he fell ill...
-Great Prince Alexander, who was always firm in his faith in
+At this burial Metropolitan Archbishop Cyril said, 'Mychildren, you should know that the sun of the Suzdalian land has set. There will never be another prince like him in the Suzdalian land.'
-God, gave up this worldly kingdom ... And then he gave up
-his soul to God and died in peace on 12 November [1263], on
-the day when the Holy Apostle Philip is remembered...
-At this burial Metropolitan Archbishop Cyril said, 'My
+And the priests and deacons and monks, the poor and the wealthy, and all the people said: 'It is our end.'}}
-children, you should know that the sun of the Suzdalian land
-has set. There will never be another prince like him in the
-Suzdalian land.'
-And the priests and deacons and monks, the poor and
-the wealthy, and all the people said: 'It is our end.'
-}}
 ==Veneration and sainthood==
 {{Infobox saint
-|honorific_prefix = Saint
+| honorific_prefix = Saint
-|name=Alexander Nevsky
+| name = Alexander Nevsky
-|major_shrine = [[Vladimir, Russia|Vladimir]]; [[Pereslavl-Zalessky]], [[Saint Petersburg]]
+| major_shrine = [[Vladimir, Russia|Vladimir]]; [[Pereslavl-Zalessky]], [[Saint Petersburg]]
-|patronage = Russian Ground Forces and Russian Naval Infantry|feast_day=23 November (Repose)<br/>2 May ([[Synaxis]] of the Saints of Rosand Yaroslavl)<br/>30 August (Translation of [[relic]]s)
+| patronage = Russian Ground Forces and Russian Naval Infantry|feast_day=23 November (Repose)<br/>2 May ([[Synaxis]] of the Saints of Rosand Yaroslavl)<br/>30 August (Translation of [[relic]]s)
-|venerated_in =[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
+| venerated_in =[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
-|image=Alexander Newski.jpg
+| image = Alexander Newski.jpg
-|imagesize=
+| titles = [[Grand Prince of Vladimir]]
-|caption=
+| canonized_date = {{start date and age|1547}}
-|titles= [[Grand Prince of Vladimir]]
+| canonized_by = [[Macarius, Metropolitan of Moscow|Metropolite Macarius]]
-|beatified_date=
-|beatified_place=
-|beatified_by=
-|canonized_date=1547
-|canonized_place=
-|canonized_by= [[Macarius, Metropolitan of Moscow|Metropolite Macarius]]
 }}
+The veneration of Alexander began almost immediately after his burial, when he reportedly extended his hand for the prayer of absolution.<ref name=relics>{{cite web |title=Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky |url=https://oca.org/saints/lives/2015/08/30/102424-translation-of-the-relics-of-st-alexander-nevsky |publisher=The [[Orthodox Church in America]] |archive-date=23 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423110324/https://oca.org/saints/lives/2015/08/30/102424-translation-of-the-relics-of-st-alexander-nevsky |url-status=live}}</ref>
-The veneration of Alexander began almost immediately after his burial, when he reportedly extended his hand for the prayer of absolution.<ref name="oca">{{cite web|url=https://oca.org/saints/lives/2015/08/30/102424-translation-of-the-relics-of-st-alexander-nevsky|title=Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky|access-date=23 April 2019|publisher=The [[Orthodox Church in America]]|archive-date=23 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423110324/https://oca.org/saints/lives/2015/08/30/102424-translation-of-the-relics-of-st-alexander-nevsky|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Orthodox tradition, Alexander foresaw his death and before this took strict [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christian]] monastic vows, called [[Great Schema]], and took the name Alexey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Святой благоверный великий князь Александр Невский — 800-летие Александра Невского |url=https://anevsky800.ru/%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80-%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |language=ru-RU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Святой благоверный князь Александр Невский / Патриархия.ru |url=http://www.patriarchia.ru/db/text/908524.html |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Патриархия.ru |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Святой благоверный великий князь Александр Невский — в схиме Алексий + Православный Церковный календарь |url=https://days.pravoslavie.ru/Life/life6392.htm |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=days.pravoslavie.ru}}</ref>
+According to the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], on his death bed, Alexander took the [[Great Schema]], strict monastic vows, and took the name Alexey.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://days.pravoslavie.ru/Life/life6392.htm |title=Святой благоверный великий князь Александр Невский — в схиме Алексий + Православный Церковный календарь | trans-title=Saint Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky - in schema Alexy | website=days.pravoslavie.ru}}</ref>
-In 1380, Alexander's remains were uncovered in response to a [[vision (religion)|vision]] before the [[Battle of Kulikovo]] and found to be [[incorrupt]]. The relics were then placed in a shrine in the church. Alexander was canonized as a saint of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] by [[Macarius, Metropolitan of Moscow|Metropolitan Macarius]] in 1547.<ref name="oca"/>
+In 1380, Alexander's remains were uncovered in response to a [[Vision (spirituality)|vision]] before the [[Battle of Kulikovo]] and found to be [[incorrupt]]. The relics were then placed in a shrine in the church. Alexander was canonized as a saint of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] by [[Macarius, Metropolitan of Moscow]] in 1547.<ref name=relics/>
-In 1695, a new wooden reliquary was made in Moscow, and the relics were placed in it in 1697.<ref name="oca"/> By order of [[Peter the Great]], the relics were then removed from Vladimir on 11 August 1723 and transported to [[Shlisselburg]], arriving there on 20 September.<ref name="oca"/> There they were kept until 1724, when they were brought to [[Saint Petersburg]] and installed in the [[Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra]] on 30 August.<ref name="oca"/>
+In 1695, a wooden reliquary was made in Moscow, and the relics were placed in it in 1697.<ref name=relics/> By order of [[Peter the Great]], the relics were removed from Vladimir on 11 August 1723 and transported to [[Shlisselburg]], arriving there on 20 September.<ref name=relics/> They were kept there until 1724, when they were brought to [[Saint Petersburg]] and installed in the [[Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra]] on 30 August 1724.<ref name=relics/>
-[[File:Opening of relics 03.jpg|thumb|left|1922 opening of Nevsky's relics]]
+In 1753, a [[:ru:Рака Александра Невского|silver shrine with sarcophagus]] for the relics, made from 90 pounds of silver, was donated by Empress [[Elizabeth of Russia]]. With the completion of the [[Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra]] in 1790, the shrine and relics were translated there at its consecration on 30 August, one of the saint's feast days.<ref name=relics/>
-In 1753, a [[:ru:Рака Александра Невского|silver shrine with sarcophagus]] for the relics, made from 90 pounds of silver, was donated by Empress [[Elizabeth of Russia]]. With the completion of the [[Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra]] in 1790, the shrine and relics were translated there at its consecration on 30 August, one of the saint's feast days.<ref name="oca"/>
-In May 1922, during the [[1922 confiscation of Russian Orthodox Church property|general confiscation of Russian Orthodox Church property]], the sarcophagus was opened and the relics removed;<ref name="RM">{{cite web|url=https://rusmania.com/north-western/st-petersburg-federal-city/st-petersburg/bezymyanny-island-and-the-south/around-nevsky-prospekt/aleksandro-nevskaya-lavra|title=Aleksandro-Nevskaya Lavra|access-date=23 April 2019|publisher=rusmania.com|archive-date=23 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423110322/https://rusmania.com/north-western/st-petersburg-federal-city/st-petersburg/bezymyanny-island-and-the-south/around-nevsky-prospekt/aleksandro-nevskaya-lavra|url-status=live}}</ref>{{bsn|date=December 2024}} and the elaborate silver shrine was transferred to the [[Hermitage Museum]].<ref name="RM"/> The relics were put into storage at the [[Museum of the History of Religion]] and Atheism, before being returned to Holy Trinity Cathedral in 1989.<ref name="RM"/> On 10 May 2023, the Hermitage Museum and Alexander Nevsky Lavra signed a contract for the transfer of the shrine to Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra for a period of 49 years.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Guzeva |first1=Alexandra |title=Alexander Nevsky's shrine: Why Petersburg relic is leaving the Hermitage |url=https://www.rbth.com/arts/336168-alexander-nevsky-shrine-orthodox-church |website=Russia Beyond |access-date=13 October 2023 |date=18 May 2023}}</ref> On 12 September 2023, [[Patriarch Kirill of Moscow]] placed the relics back into the silver sarcophagus.<ref>{{cite web |title=Patriarch Kirill Places Relics of St. Alexander Nevsky in Newly Returned Sarcophagus  |url=https://orthochristian.com/156012.html |website=Orthodox Christianity |access-date=13 October 2023 |date=13 September 2023}}</ref>
+[[File:Opening of relics 03.jpg|thumb|right|1922 opening of Nevsky's relics]]
+During the [[1922 seizure of church valuables in Russia]], the sarcophagus was opened and the relics were removed. The elaborate silver shrine was transferred to the [[Hermitage Museum]].<ref name=leaving/> The relics were put into storage at the [[Museum of the History of Religion]] and Atheism, before being returned to Holy Trinity Cathedral in 1989.<ref name=leaving/> On 10 May 2023, the Hermitage Museum and Alexander Nevsky Lavra signed a contract for the transfer of the shrine to Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra for 49 years.<ref name=leaving>{{cite news |url=https://www.gw2ru.com/arts/1528-alexander-nevsky-shrine-orthodox-church |last=Guzeva |first=Alexandra |title=Alexander Nevsky's shrine: Why Petersburg relic is leaving the Hermitage | work=[[Russia Beyond]] |date=18 May 2023}}</ref> On 12 September 2023, [[Patriarch Kirill of Moscow]] returned the relics into the silver sarcophagus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://orthochristian.com/156012.html |title=Patriarch Kirill Places Relics of St. Alexander Nevsky in Newly Returned Sarcophagus |website=Orthodox Christianity |date=13 September 2023}}</ref>
-Alexander's principal [[feast day]] is 23 November. A secondary feast day was instituted on 30 August in commemoration of his relics being placed in the Annunciation Church. He is jointly commemorated with other saints of [[Rostov, Yaroslavl Oblast|Rostov]] and [[Yaroslavl]] on 23 May.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}
+Alexander's principal [[feast day]] is 23 November (Old Style Calendar) or December 6 (New Style Calendar).<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://en.iz.ru/en/1800685/alena-svetunkova/alexander-nevsky-memorial-day-what-he-did-russia-what-pray-today | title=Alexander Nevsky Memorial Day: what he did for Russia, what to pray for today | work=[[Izvestia]] | date=6 December 2024}}</ref> A secondary feast day was instituted on 30 August (Old Style Calendar) or September 12 (New Style Calendar) in commemoration of his relics being placed in the Annunciation Church.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.prlib.ru/en/news/1984661 | title=Presidential Library tells about transfer of relics of Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky to St. Petersburg | work=Presidential Library of Russia}}</ref>
-In February 2024, it was announced that the memorial of Saint Alexander Nevsky had been deleted from the [[Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar|synaxarion]] of the [[Orthodox Church of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Alexander Nevsky ejected from the liturgical calendar of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church|date=13 February 2024 |url=https://anglican.ink/2024/02/12/alexander-nevsky-ejected-from-the-liturgical-calendar-of-the-ukrainian-orthodox-church/|access-date=14 February 2024}}</ref>
+In February 2024, the memorial of Saint Alexander Nevsky was deleted from the [[Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar|synaxarion]] of the [[Orthodox Church of Ukraine]]. The exaltation of Alexander Nevsky has been used as religious justification of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://anglican.ink/2024/02/12/alexander-nevsky-ejected-from-the-liturgical-calendar-of-the-ukrainian-orthodox-church/ |title=Alexander Nevsky ejected from the liturgical calendar of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church |date=13 February 2024}}</ref>
-== Legacy ==
+==Legacy==
-Some historians see Alexander's choice of subordination to the [[Golden Horde]] as an important reaffirmation of East Slavs' Orthodox orientation (which begun under [[Vladimir the Great|Vladimir I of Kiev]] and his grandmother [[Olga of Kiev|Olga]]).<ref>{{cite book |title=Sveriges Österland. Från forntiden till Gustav Vasa |last=Tarkiainen |first=Kari |year=2008 |pages=96–97 |publisher=Svenska litteratursällskapet i Finland |location=Helsingfors |language=sv |isbn=978-951-583-162-0 }}</ref> [[Orlando Figes]] mentioned that "Nevsky's collaboration was no doubt motivated by his distrust of the West, which he regarded as a greater threat to Orthodox Russia than the Golden Horde (...) But Nevsky's ''realpolitik'' caused a problem for the chroniclers, particularly after he was made a saint by the Russian Church in 1547, for in their terms he had colluded with the infidel."<ref name="Figes"/>
+''[[Life of Alexander Nevsky]]'' (Житие Александра Невского) is a [[chronicle]] compiled in the late 13th century, in which Nevsky is depicted as an ideal prince-soldier and defender of Russia.
-Some of Alexander's policies on the Western border were continued by his grandson-in-law, [[Daumantas of Pskov]], who was also beatified in the 16th century. In the late 13th century, a [[chronicle]] was compiled called the ''[[Life of Alexander Nevsky]]'' (Житие Александра Невского), in which he is depicted as an ideal prince-soldier and defender of Russia.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}
+[[Life of Alexander Nevsky (illuminated manuscript)|''Life of Alexander Nevsky'']] is a Russian [[illuminated manuscript]] of the 1560s that includes 83 illuminations and text that describe the life and achievements of Alexander Nevsky.
-On 21 May 1725, the empress [[Catherine I of Russia|Catherine I]] introduced the [[Imperial Order of St. Alexander Nevsky]] as one of the highest [[List of military decorations|decoration]]s in the land. During [[Great Patriotic War|World War II]], on 29 July 1942, the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] authorities introduced an [[Order of Alexander Nevsky]] to revive the memory of Alexander's struggle with the Germans.<ref name="Haughton">{{cite book |last1=Haughton |first1=Tim |title=Aftermath: Legacies and Memories of War in Europe, 1918–1945–1989 |date=23 March 2016 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-18391-4 |page=175 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uNLOCwAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref> There was also an earlier [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Bulgaria|Bulgarian Order]] dedicated to Saint Alexander which was founded on 25 December 1881, which ceased to exist when the [[People's Republic of Bulgaria|People's Republic]] was declared on 16 September 1946.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}
+On 21 May 1725, [[Catherine I of Russia]] introduced the imperial [[Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky]] as one of the highest [[List of military decorations|decoration]]s in Russia. In 1942, during [[World War II]], [[Soviet Union]] authorities introduced a Soviet [[Order of Alexander Nevsky]] to revive the memory of Nevsky's battles with the Germans.<ref name=Haughton>{{cite book | last=Haughton | first=Tim | title=Aftermath: Legacies and Memories of War in Europe, 1918–1945–1989 | date=23 March 2016 | publisher=[[Routledge]] | page=175 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uNLOCwAAQBAJ | isbn=978-1-317-18391-4}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.prlib.ru/en/history/619280 | title=The Order of St. Alexander Nevsky established | work=Presidential Library of Russia}}</ref>
-In 1938, [[Sergei Eisenstein]] made one of his most acclaimed films, ''[[Alexander Nevsky (film)|Alexander Nevsky]]'', about Alexander's victory over the Teutonic Knights. The [[Alexander Nevsky (Prokofiev)|soundtrack]] for the film was written by [[Sergei Prokofiev]], who also reworked the score into a concert [[cantata]]. Today the film is renowned for its extraordinary battle on ice sequence, which has served as inspiration for countless other films. In the picture, Nevsky used a number of Russian [[proverb]]s, tying Nevsky firmly to Russian tradition.<ref>Kevin McKenna. 2009. "Proverbs and the Folk Tale in the Russian Cinema: The Case of Sergei Eisenstein’s Film Classic ''Aleksandr Nevsky''."  ''The Proverbial «Pied Piper» A Festschrift Volume of Essays in Honor of Wolfgang Mieder on the Occasion of His Sixty-Fifth Birthday'', ed. by Kevin McKenna, pp. 277–292. New York, Bern: Peter Lang.</ref> The famous proverbial phrase (paraphrasing Matthew 26:52), "Whoever will come to us with a sword, from a sword will perish," is a phrase that is often attributed to Alexander Nevsky, though it was not in fact said by him; it comes from Eisenstein's film, where it was said by actor [[Nikolay Cherkasov|Nikolai Cherkasov]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} A Soviet evaluation presented Alexander's victories as having "saved the Russian people from sharing the fate of the Baltic tribes and the Slavs of the Elbe who were enslaved by the Germans".{{sfn|Dukes|1998|page=26}}
+In 1938, [[Sergei Eisenstein]] made one of his most acclaimed films, ''[[Alexander Nevsky (film)|Alexander Nevsky]]'', about Alexander's victory over the Teutonic Knights. The film is an instructive parable on German aggression and the struggle to protect Russia; the film cemented the storyline of Nevsky as the savior of Russia.<ref name=Past>{{Cite web | url=https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/November-December-2019/Baumann-Russian-Patriotism/ | title=Mobilizing History to Promote Patriotism and a New Past | first=Robert F. | last=Baumann | date=November 2019}}</ref> The [[Alexander Nevsky (Prokofiev)|soundtrack]] for the film was written by [[Sergei Prokofiev]], who also reworked the score into a concert [[cantata]]. The film is renowned for its depiction of the [[Battle on the Ice]], which has served as inspiration for many other films. In the film, Nevsky used Russian [[proverb]]s, tying him firmly to Russian tradition. The proverbial phrase (paraphrasing Matthew 26:52), "Whoever will come to us with a sword, from a sword will perish," is a phrase that came from Eisenstein's film, where it was said by actor [[Nikolay Cherkasov]], who played Nevsky.<ref name=truth/>
-During [[World War II]], the image of Alexander Nevsky became a national symbol of the struggle against German occupation, and many Soviet historians portrayed him as a Russian bastion against both German and papal aggression.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=106}} The government sought historical continuity by referring to the Soviet struggle as the [[Great Patriotic War]].<ref name="Haughton"/> The film ''Alexander Nevsky'' was re-released in 1941 following the German invasion;<ref>{{cite book |last1=Harty |first1=Kevin J. |title=The Reel Middle Ages: American, Western and Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Asian Films About Medieval Europe |date=13 August 2015 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-1-4766-0843-3 |page=16 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ow5eCgAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref> [[Joseph Stalin]] used the film to mobilize feelings of Russian patriotism.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Donskis |first1=L. |title=Troubled Identity and the Modern World |date=25 May 2009 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-0-230-62173-2 |page=83 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kgHIAAAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref>
+During [[World War II]], many Soviet historians portrayed Nevsky as a Russian bastion against both German and papal aggression.{{sfn|Fennell|2014|p=106}} The government sought historical continuity by referring to the Soviet struggle as the [[Great Patriotic War]].<ref name=Haughton/> The film ''Alexander Nevsky'' was re-released in 1941 following [[Operation Barbarossa]];<ref>{{cite book | last=Harty | first=Kevin J. | title=The Reel Middle Ages: American, Western and Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Asian Films About Medieval Europe | date=13 August 2015 | publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] | page=16 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ow5eCgAAQBAJ | isbn=978-1-4766-0843-3}}</ref> [[Joseph Stalin]] used the film to mobilize feelings of Russian patriotism.<ref>{{cite book | last=Donskis | first=L. | title=Troubled Identity and the Modern World | date=25 May 2009 | publisher=[[Springer Science+Business Media]] | page=83 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kgHIAAAAQBAJ | isbn=978-0-230-62173-2}}</ref>
-[[File:AlexanderNevskyCathedral-Sofia-6.jpg|thumb|right|[[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia]]]]
+There have been several Russian naval vessels named after Nevsky including:
-Alexander Nevsky's fame was spread wherever Imperial Russia had a strong influence; thus numerous cathedrals and churches were dedicated to him, including the [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia|Patriarchal Cathedral]] in [[Sofia]], [[Bulgaria]]; the [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn|Cathedral church]] in [[Tallinn]], [[Estonia]]; the [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Łódź|Cathedral church]] in [[Łódź]], [[Poland]]; the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in [[Ungheni, Moldova|Ungheni]], [[Moldova]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}
+* the 19th-century propeller frigate ''Alexander Nevsky''
+* [[Russian submarine Alexander Nevsky (K-550)]], a nuclear powered [[ballistic missile submarine]] currently in service with the [[Russian Navy]]
+* The U.S. ''S.S. [[Henry W. Corbett]]'', launched in 1943 in [[Portland, Oregon]], which was lent to the U.S.S.R. during World War II and never returned; instead it was renamed the ''Alexander Nevsky''.
+In 2008, Nevsky was declared the main hero of the [[history of Russia]] by popular vote. In December 2008, he was voted the greatest Russian in the ''[[Name of Russia (Russia TV)|Name of Russia]]'' television poll.<ref>{{cite news | title=Stalin voted third-best Russian | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7802485.stm | work=[[BBC News]] | date=28 December 2008 | archive-date=30 July 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730003750/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7802485.stm | url-status=live}}</ref>
+In September 2022, an all-volunteer battalion tactical group to support the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] was named after Nevsky.<ref name=Repurposed/>
-There is a long tradition of Russian naval vessels bearing Nevsky's name, such as the 19th-century propeller frigate ''Alexander Nevsky'' and [[Russian submarine Alexander Nevsky (K-550)|''K-550'' ''Alexander Nevsky'']], a nuclear powered [[ballistic missile submarine]] currently in service with the [[Russian Navy]].<ref>The US Liberty ship the ''S.S. [[Henry W. Corbett]]'', launched in 1943 in [[Portland, Oregon]], US was lent to the U.S.S.R. during WWII. After the war it was renamed by the Russian navy the ''Alexander Nevsky''.</ref>
+[[Alexander Beglov]], governor of Saint Petersburg erected a statue of Nevsky in [[Mariupol]] after the city was devastated during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref name=Repurposed>{{Cite news | url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/alexander-nevsky-russia-reanimated-and-repurposed | title=Alexander Nevsky of Russia, Reanimated and Repurposed | first1=Anya | last1=Free | first2=Julia | last2=Khrebtan-Hörhager  | work=[[Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars]] | date=27 October 2022}}</ref>
-On 24 September 2008, Alexander Nevsky was declared the main hero of Russia's history by popular vote, as reported by the ''[[Kommersant]]'' newspaper. In December 2008, he was voted the greatest Russian in the ''[[Name of Russia (Russia TV)|Name of Russia]]'' television poll.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7802485.stm|title=Stalin voted third-best Russian|publisher=BBC|date=28 December 2008|access-date=29 December 2008|archive-date=30 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730003750/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7802485.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
+===Notable places===
+* [[Alexander Nevsky Bridge]] in Saint Petersburg
+* [[Nevsky District]], district of Saint Petersburg, Russia
+* [[Nevsky Prospect]], the main street of Saint Petersburg
+* [[Nevskoye Microdistrict]], a part of Kaliningrad, Russia
-During the 2021 Moscow Victory Day Parade, a small historical segment of the parade featured Russian soldiers dressed in historical M1945 Red Army uniforms carrying out the Soviet combat banners which received the [[Order of Alexander Nevsky]] during the war. This segment coincided with the 800th anniversary since the birth of Alexander Nevsky in 1221.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Подробнее : Министерство обороны Российской Федерации|url=https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12360555|access-date=22 May 2021|website=function.mil.ru|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522232310/https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12360555|url-status=live}}</ref>
+====Buildings====
+[[File:AlexanderNevskyCathedral-Sofia-6.jpg|thumb|right|[[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia]]]]
+There are notable buildings named after Nevsky, mostly in places where the Russian Orthodox Church had a strong influence, as follows:
+{{See also|Alexander Nevsky Cathedrals}}
+* [[Alexander Nevsky Lavra]], Saint Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1710
+* [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia]]
+* [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn]]
+* [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Paris]]
+* [[Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky (Volgograd)]]
+* [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Yalta]]
+* [[Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia]]
+* [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Allison Park]]
+* [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Howell]]
 ==See also==
-* [[Life of Alexander Nevsky (illuminated manuscript)|''Life of Alexander Nevsky'' (illuminated manuscript)]]
-* [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (disambiguation)|Alexander Nevsky Cathedral]] – an incomplete listing of Eastern Orthodox cathedrals which bear his name
 * [[Family tree of Russian monarchs]]
-*[[Chapel of Saint Alexander Nevsky (Fergana)]]
-== Gallery ==
+==Gallery==
 <gallery>
 Alexander nevskiy archangelskiy sobor.jpg|Saint Alexander Nevsky, 1666 [[fresco]] in the [[Cathedral of the Archangel]], Moscow
-Alexander Nevskiy receiving papal legates by Siemiradzki (litography).jpg|''Prince Alexander Nevsky receiving Papal legates'', painting by [[Henryk Siemiradzki]] (1870s)
+Moscow 1812 War museum asv2019-06 img9.jpg|''Prince Alexander Nevsky receiving Papal legates'', painting by [[Henryk Siemiradzki]] (1870s)
 Александр Невский (2010.06.26) - panoramio.jpg|A statue of Alexander Nevsky in [[Gorodets, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast|Gorodets]]
+Александр Невский икона.jpg|Icon of Alexander Nevsky with scenes from his life - Nevyansk, Bogatyrev Workshop (1820s-30s)
+Alexander Nevsky vita icon.jpg|Icon of Alexander Nevsky with scenes - Pokrovsky Cathedral, Moscow (16th Century)
+Mosaic Icon (Iconostase of the Saviour on the Blood) 03.JPG|Mosaic icon on the iconostasis of the Savior on Spilled Blood "Alexander Nevsky" - [[Mikhail Nesterov]] (1894-1895)
 </gallery>
@@ Line 200: / Line 213: @@
 ==Bibliography==
-=== Primary sources ===
+===Primary sources===
 * ''[[Livonian Rhymed Chronicle]]'' (LRC, {{circa}} 1290s).
-** {{cite book |last=Meyer |first=Leo |authorlink=Leo Meyer (philologist) |title=Livländische Reimchronik, mit Anmerkungen, Namenverzeichniss und Glossar herausgegeben von Leo Meyer |trans-title=Livonian Rhymed Chronicle, with Annotations, Index of Names and Glossary, edited by Leo Meyer |year=1876 |location=[[Paderborn]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jfNhA0nWg8EC |language=la|access-date=3 November 2024}} (Reprint: [[Hildesheim]] 1963). Verses 2235–2262.
+** {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jfNhA0nWg8EC |last=Meyer |first=Leo |authorlink=Leo Meyer (philologist) |title=Livländische Reimchronik, mit Anmerkungen, Namenverzeichniss und Glossar herausgegeben von Leo Meyer |trans-title=Livonian Rhymed Chronicle, with Annotations, Index of Names and Glossary, edited by Leo Meyer |year=1876 |language=la}} (Reprint: [[Hildesheim]] 1963). Verses 2235–2262.
-** {{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/livonian-rhymed-chronicle.-1977 |title=The Livonian Rhymed Chronicle: Translated with an Historical Introduction, Maps and Appendices |editor-last=Smith |editor-first=Jerry C. |editor-last2=Urban |editor-first2=William L. |date=1977 |pages=181 |location=Bloomington |publisher=Indiana University Press |series=Uralic and Altaic series |isbn=978-0-87750-213-5}}
+** {{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/livonian-rhymed-chronicle.-1977 |title=The Livonian Rhymed Chronicle: Translated with an Historical Introduction, Maps and Appendices |editor-last=Smith |editor-first=Jerry C. |editor-last2=Urban |editor-first2=William L. |date=1977 |pages=181 |location=Bloomington |publisher=[[Indiana University Press]] |series=Uralic and Altaic series |isbn=978-0-87750-213-5}}
 * Synod Scroll (Older Redaction) of the ''[[Novgorod First Chronicle]]'' (NPL, {{circa}} 1315).
-** {{Cite book |last1=Michell |first1=Robert |last2=Forbes |first2=Nevill |date=1914 |title=The Chronicle of Novgorod 1016–1471. Translated from the Russian by Robert Michell and Nevill Forbes, Ph.D. Reader in Russian in the University of Oxford, with an introduction by C. Raymond Beazley and A. A. Shakhmatov |url=http://faculty.washington.edu/dwaugh/rus/texts/MF1914.pdf |location=London |publisher=[[Gray's Inn]] |pages=237 |access-date=5 April 2024}}
+** {{Cite book |url=http://faculty.washington.edu/dwaugh/rus/texts/MF1914.pdf |last1=Michell |first1=Robert |last2=Forbes |first2=Nevill |date=1914 |title=The Chronicle of Novgorod 1016–1471. Translated from the Russian by Robert Michell and Nevill Forbes, Ph.D. Reader in Russian in the University of Oxford, with an introduction by C. Raymond Beazley and A. A. Shakhmatov |location=London |publisher=[[Gray's Inn]] |pages=237}}
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+* {{cite book |last1=Dukes |first1=Paul |authorlink1=Paul Dukes (historian) |title=A History of Russia: Medieval, Modern, Contemporary, C. 882-1996 |date=1998 |publisher=[[Duke University Press]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-K56QgAACAAJ |isbn=978-0-8223-2096-8}}
-* {{cite book |last1=Fennell |first1=John |title=The Crisis of Medieval Russia 1200-1304 |date=13 October 2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-87313-6 |page=106 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aWWuBAAAQBAJ |language=en}}
+* {{cite book |last1=Favereau |first1=Marie |title=The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World |date=20 April 2021 |publisher=Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-25998-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=REkiEAAAQBAJ |language=en}}
-* {{cite book |last1=Fennell |first1=John |title=The Emergence of Moscow, 1304-1359 |date=23 September 2022 |publisher=Univ of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-34758-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iI2EEAAAQBAJ |language=en}}
+* {{cite book |last1=Fennell |first1=John |title=The Crisis of Medieval Russia 1200-1304 |date=13 October 2014 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |page=106 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aWWuBAAAQBAJ |isbn=978-1-317-87313-6}}
-* {{cite book |last1=Fonnesberg-Schmidt |first1=Iben |title=The popes and the Baltic crusades, 1147–1254 |date=2007 |publisher=Brill|isbn=9789004155022}}
+* {{cite book |last1=Fennell |first1=John |title=The Emergence of Moscow, 1304-1359 |date=23 September 2022 |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iI2EEAAAQBAJ |isbn=978-0-520-34758-8}}
-* {{cite book |title=Medieval Russia: 980–1584. Second Edition. E-book |last=Martin |first=Janet |authorlink=Janet L. B. Martin |url=https://www.ebooks.com/en-us/book/802816/medieval-russia-980-1584/janet-martin/ |year=2007 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=978-0-511-36800-4}}
+* {{cite book |last1=Fonnesberg-Schmidt |first1=Iben |title=The popes and the Baltic crusades, 1147–1254 |date=2007 |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |isbn=9789004155022}}
-* {{cite book |last1=Nazarova |first1=Evgeniya L. |author1-link=Alan V. Murray |editor1-last=Murray |editor1-first=Alan V. |title=The Crusades: An Encyclopedia [4 volumes] |date=30 August 2006 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=978-1-57607-862-4 |pages=42–43 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nuopAQAAMAAJ |language=en}}
+* {{cite book |title=Medieval Russia: 980–1584. Second Edition. E-book |last=Martin |first=Janet |authorlink=Janet L. B. Martin |url=https://www.ebooks.com/en-us/book/802816/medieval-russia-980-1584/janet-martin/ |year=2007 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |location=Cambridge |isbn=978-0-511-36800-4}}
-* {{cite book |last1=Nicolle |first1=David |title=Lake Peipus 1242: Battle of the ice |date=15 March 1997 |publisher=Bloomsbury USA |isbn=978-1-85532-553-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YnOLAQAACAAJ |language=en}}
+* {{cite book |last1=Nazarova |first1=Evgeniya L. |author1-link=Alan V. Murray |editor1-last=Murray |editor1-first=Alan V. |title=The Crusades: An Encyclopedia [4 volumes] |date=30 August 2006 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] |pages=42–43 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nuopAQAAMAAJ |isbn=978-1-57607-862-4}}
-* {{cite book |last1=Raffensperger |first1=Christian |last2=Ostrowski |first2=Donald |authorlink2=Donald Ostrowski |title=The Ruling Families of Rus: Clan, Family and Kingdom |publisher=Reaktion Books |location=London |date=2023 |pages=309 |isbn=978-1-78914-745-2}} (e-book)
+* {{cite book |last1=Nicolle |first1=David |title=Lake Peipus 1242: Battle of the ice |date=15 March 1997 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YnOLAQAACAAJ |isbn=978-1-85532-553-1}}
-* {{cite book |last=Selart |first=Anti |title=Livonia, Rus' and the Baltic Crusades in the Thirteenth Century |chapter=Chapter 3: Livonia and Rus' in the 1230s and 1240s |publisher=BRILL |publication-place=Leiden/Boston |date=2015 |pages=127–170 |isbn=978-90-04-28475-3 |doi=10.1163/9789004284753_005}}
+* {{cite book |last=Selart |first=Anti |title=Livonia, Rus' and the Baltic Crusades in the Thirteenth Century |chapter=Chapter 3: Livonia and Rus' in the 1230s and 1240s |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |publication-place=Leiden/Boston |date=2015 |pages=127–170 |isbn=978-90-04-28475-3 |doi=10.1163/9789004284753_005}}
-* {{cite book |last1=Välimäki |first1=Reima |title=Medievalism in Finland and Russia: Twentieth- and Twenty-First Century Aspects |date=December 2022 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=978-1-350-23288-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JwKfEAAAQBAJ |language=en}}
+* {{cite book |last1=Shaikhutdinov |first1=Marat |title=Between East and West: The Formation of the Moscow State |date=2021 |publisher=Academic Studies Press |doi=10.2307/j.ctv249sgn2 |jstor=j.ctv249sgn2 |isbn=978-1-64469-713-9 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv249sgn2}}
+* {{cite book |last1=Välimäki |first1=Reima |title=Medievalism in Finland and Russia: Twentieth- and Twenty-First Century Aspects |date=December 2022 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JwKfEAAAQBAJ |isbn=978-1-350-23288-4}}
+* {{cite book |last1=Vodoff |first1=Vladimir |editor1-last=Vauchez |editor1-first=André |editor2-last=Lapidge |editor2-first=Michael |title=Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages |date=2000 |publisher=Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers |isbn=978-1-57958-282-1 |page=37 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ejQOAQAAMAAJ |language=en |chapter=Alexander Nevsky (1220–1263)}}
 ==Further reading==
 {{See also|Bibliography of the history of the Early Slavs and Rus'|Bibliography of Russian history (1223–1613)|Bibliography of Russian history (1613–1917)}}
-* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Alexander Nevsky, Saint |volume= 1 |last= Bain |first= Robert Nisbet |author-link= Robert Nisbet Bain| page = 556 |short=1 }}
+* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Alexander Nevsky, Saint |volume=1 |last=Bain |first=Robert Nisbet |author-link=Robert Nisbet Bain| page=556 |short=1}}
-* Isoaho, Mari. ''The Image of Aleksandr Nevskiy in Medieval Russia: Warrior and Saint (The Northern World; 21)''. Leiden: Brill Academic Publishers, 2006 (hardcover, {{ISBN|90-04-15101-X}}).
+* Isoaho, Mari. ''The Image of Aleksandr Nevskiy in Medieval Russia: Warrior and Saint (The Northern World; 21)''. Leiden: [[Brill Publishers]], 2006 (hardcover, {{ISBN|90-04-15101-X}}).
-* "Tale of the Life and Courage of the Pious and Great Prince Alexander [Nevsky]" in ''Medieval Russia's Epics, Chronicles, and Tales'', ed. [[Serge Aleksandr Zenkovsky|Serge Zenkovsky]], 224–235 (New York: Meridian, 1974)
+* "Tale of the Life and Courage of the Pious and Great Prince Alexander [Nevsky]" in ''Medieval Russia's Epics, Chronicles, and Tales'', ed. [[Serge Aleksandr Zenkovsky]], 224–235 (New York: Meridian, 1974)
 ==External links==
-{{Commons category|Alexander Nevsky}}
+{{Commons category}}
-*[http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=103377 Repose of Saint Alexander Nevsky] Orthodox [[icon]] and [[synaxarion]] (23 November)
+* [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/11/23/103377-repose-of-saint-alexander-nevsky Repose of Saint Alexander Nevsky] Orthodox [[icon]] and [[synaxarion]] (23 November)
-*[http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=101468 Synaxis of the Saints of Rostov and Yaroslavl] (23 May)
+* [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/05/23/101468-synaxis-of-the-saints-of-rostov Synaxis of the Saints of Rostov and Yaroslavl] (23 May)
-*[http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=102424 Translation of the relics of Saint Alexander Nevsky] (30 August)
+* [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/08/30/102424-translation-of-the-relics-of-saint-alexander-nevsky Translation of the relics of Saint Alexander Nevsky] (30 August)
-* [https://web.archive.org/web/20171227090023/http://www.nevsky-prospekt.com/stalex.html Saint Alexander on Nevsky Prospekt.]
-*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081206072429/http://www.kommersant.com/page.asp?id=-13283 ''Kommersant:'' Russia’s Hero is Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky] (24 September 2008)
-*[http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5184 Interfax news agency: Orthodox believers found heaven guardians for Russian secret service] (22 September 2008)
 {{S-start}}
@@ Line 239: / Line 251: @@
 {{S-ttl| title=[[List of Russian rulers|Grand Prince of Vladimir]] | years=1252–1263}}
 {{S-aft| after=[[Yaroslav of Tver|Yaroslav III]]}}
+{{S-bef| before=[[Yaroslav II of Vladimir|Yaroslav II]]}}
+{{S-ttl| title=[[Grand Prince of Kiev]] (titular)| years=1246–1263}}
+{{S-aft| after=Yaroslav III}}
 {{S-end}}
-{{Subject bar |portal1=Saints |portal2= Biography |portal3= Christianity |portal4= Russia}}
+{{Subject bar |portal1=Saints |portal2=Biography |portal3=Christianity |portal4=Russia}}
 {{Russian sovereigns}}
 {{Authority control}}
@@ Line 246: / Line 261: @@
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Alexander Nevsky}}
 [[Category:Alexander Nevsky| ]]
-[[Category:People from Pereslavl-Zalessky]]
+[[Category:1221 births]]
+[[Category:1263 deaths]]
 [[Category:13th-century Christian saints]]
+[[Category:13th-century princes from Kievan Rus']]
+[[Category:Eastern Orthodox saints from Kievan Rus']]
 [[Category:Grand princes of Vladimir]]
+[[Category:People from Pereslavl-Zalessky]]
 [[Category:People of the Northern Crusades]]
+[[Category:Princes of Novgorod]]
 [[Category:Yurievichi family]]
-[[Category:13th-century princes from Kievan Rus']]
-[[Category:Eastern Orthodox saints from Kievan Rus']]
-[[Category:Princes of Novgorod]]
-[[Category:1220 births]]
-[[Category:1263 deaths]]

Alexander Nevsky: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:35, 15 September 2025

Early life

Reign

Prince of Novgorod (1236–1240; 1241–1256; 1258–1259)

Second Swedish Crusade and the Battle of the Neva (1240)

1240 Izborsk and Pskov campaign

1240–1241 Votia campaign

Battle on the Ice (1242)

Grand Prince of Vladimir (1252–1263)

Family

Death and burial

Veneration and sainthood

Legacy

Notable places

Buildings

See also

Gallery

Notes

References

Bibliography

Primary sources

Literature

Further reading

External links

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