Battle on the Ice 1242 battle scheme. Ice battle: the great battle of Rus' against the West. Participants in the battle after

777 years ago, on April 5, 1242, the Battle of the Ice took place on Lake Peipsi, the result of which was one of the glorious victories of Russian weapons over a foreign invader. Since 1240, the German knights of the Livonian Order began to actively make campaigns on Russian lands, intending to capture the northern territories of our country. At first they were successful - the knights managed to take possession of Izborsk and Pskov. Novgorod was next. To preserve their freedom, its inhabitants turned to Alexander Nevsky for help. The illustrious commander easily gathered an army, but faced the problem of his armament - it was difficult to adequately supply the army so that it was able to resist the enemy clad in armor. The reason was that it was difficult to obtain resources for the production of weapons in the northern Russian principalities, because of which everything needed was usually purchased abroad. Suddenly, trading with Novgorodians in the West was considered practically illegal. But at that moment, our artisans were able to demonstrate all their art. This is stated by S. V. Glyazer in the book “Battle on the Ice” (1941), which can be read on the portal of the Presidential Library named after B. N. Yeltsin: “The Pope announced that he would curse the one who dares to sell Russian weapons. Novgorodians secretly bought swords, helmets and metal needed for making weapons abroad. This metal was not enough, and the Novgorodians mined ore in the swamps. It was very difficult, it was impossible to get such good iron from swamp ore as was needed for forged swords. But skillful Novgorod artisans even forged such swords from iron smelted from this ore, from which the enemy fled in mortal fear.

Also, S. V. Glyazer describes in detail the elements of the equipment of Russian soldiers: “Who was richer, he wore a long shirt made of thick material, on which iron rings were sewn in rows. Others wore iron mail. In order to prevent chain mail from injuring the body, they wore a thick quilted caftan under it ... The shields were wooden, covered with leather, painted with bright red paint. Warriors wore steel, copper or iron helmets on their heads. To protect the face, a metal strip descended from the front of the helmet - the “nose” ... The ears and the back of the head were protected by metal plates or chain mail hanging from the helmet. The boyars and princely combatants had helmets covered with gold or silver. Small red flags were attached to the peaked tops of the helmets - Yelovtsy. Ordinary warriors instead of chain mail wore thick quilted caftans lined with hemp. Pieces of iron were laid in the hemp. Quilted cloth caps, also stuffed with hemp, replaced helmets.

This is what the army looked like, which, under the leadership of Alexander Yaroslavich, opposed the invaders. Russian soldiers managed to liberate Pskov, take the fortress of Koporye. “But the knights did not change their minds even now, they only became even more inflamed with military spirit and proudly said:“ Let's go - we will destroy the prince of Novgorod and take him prisoner. Having learned about the plans of the enemy, Alexander again went against the knights and met them, at dawn on April 5, 1242, on the ice of Lake Peipus, where the “very evil slaughter” took place, in which the Russians had to fight a brave and skillful enemy no less than the Swedes "- writes S. Krotkov in his historical essay "The Battle of the Neva and the Battle of the Ice" (1900).

The Livonian knights were sure of an easy and quick victory. But Alexander Nevsky relied on a new tactic that the enemy could not predict: the main role in our army was to be played not by the center fighters, but by the flanks. Thus, he seemed to let the enemies inside his army, and when they thought that they could defeat the Russians, Alexander Yaroslavich closed the ring. We read about the first minutes of the Battle on the Ice in the book of the historian M. D. Khmyrov “Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky, Grand Duke of Vladimir and all Rus'” (1871): “The method of action by the pig, advantageous and decisive against the cowardly and unstable troops, in the present case had no success and only increased the cruelty on both sides. Proud knights, clad in strong armor, although they passed through the dense regiments of Alexandrov, but not all, because the Russian swords and axes laid down many on this bloody path. The rest, seeing with horror in front of them, instead of the expected frustration, a living wall of closed rows, sparkling with weapons, on which German blood was still smoking, - lost heart. The author notes: calculation was correct. The knights fought back with difficulty from the hail of blows with which they were showered from all sides by the Russian army. The last hope to turn the tide of the battle was destroyed by the prince's cavalry squad. Under the leadership of Alexander himself, she crashed into the enemy rear: “Hero Nevsky began his work: he quickly rushed with spare regiments to the dumbfounded fighters, crushed them, cut them and drove them across the ice, which was red with blood: 500 knights fell in battle, 50 were taken prisoner ... According to eyewitnesses, the lake swayed under the fighters and groaned from the crack of breaking spears and the clang of splitting swords. Already late in the evening this ice battle ended, which, having horrified the whole of Livonia, overshadowed the winner with new glory.

The bloody battle, which began with the first rays of the spring sun, ended only late in the evening. Realizing that further resistance was useless, the German men at arms began to flee. And the last blow was dealt to them by the thin ice of Lake Peipus. Under the weight of the heavy weapons of the invaders, it began to break through, dragging them into the cold water.

The result of the Battle of the Ice was an agreement between the Germans and Novgorodians, according to which the Crusaders pledged to leave all the Russian lands they had previously conquered. The terms of the agreement are described in detail in the aforementioned book by S. Krotkov “The Battle of the Neva and the Battle of the Ice: A Historical Sketch” (1900): “The frightened knights sent their ambassadors with a bow to the Novgorodians, to whom they said:“ Why did we enter with a sword: Vot, Luga, Pskov, Letgol, we retreat from everything; how many of your people were taken prisoner, we exchange them: we let yours go, and you let ours go”... Soon after that, Alexander Nevsky pacified the Lithuanians, and his fame spread far beyond the borders of Russia, so that the head of the Livonian knights (master) Velven spoke about Alexander like this: “I have traveled through many countries, I know the world, people and sovereigns, but I saw and listened to Alexander of Novgorod with amazement.”

The winner, the hero of the Battle of Neva and the battle on Lake Peipsi, Alexander Yaroslavich, Russian cities met with general rejoicing. In the book "The Holy Right-Believing Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky" (1898), which can be found on the Presidential Library portal, N. A. Voskresensky writes: “It is unlikely that the people of Pskov remembered in their history a day happier than the day when the victorious leader solemnly returned to the city. The clergy walked in front in bright clothes: abbots and priests - with holy icons and crosses - behind was a happy and joyful crowd of Pskovites in festive attire. Incessantly, in honor of the winner, laudatory songs were heard in the air: “Glory to the Lord and His faithful servant Alexander Yaroslavich.” Sharing the joy of the celebration with the people of Pskov, Alexander hurried to Novgorod, where, too, full of heartfelt gratitude to God, the people enthusiastically celebrated the glorious victory over the foreigners.

This feat of Russian soldiers has become truly immortal and instructive for the enemies of our country. The words spoken by Alexander Nevsky during the Battle of the Ice resound through the ages: "Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword."

Anyone who wants to learn more about this great battle can get acquainted with copies of rare publications that paint the most complete picture of those events - they are contained in the special collection "Alexander Nevsky (1221-1263)", available on the organization's portal.

Alexander Nevsky - Defender of Rus'

We won

Alexander Nevsky enters Pskov

"Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword"

On April 5, 1242, the Russian army led by Prince Alexander Nevsky defeated the Livonian knights in the Battle of the Ice on the ice of Lake Peipus. In the XIII century Novgorod was the richest city in Rus'. From 1236, the young prince Alexander Yaroslavich reigned in Novgorod.

In 1240, when the Swedish aggression against Novgorod began, he was not yet 20 years old.

Nevertheless, by that time he already had some experience of participating in his father’s campaigns, was fairly well-read and had an excellent command of military art, which helped him win the first of his great victories: on July 21, 1240, with the help of his small squad and the Ladoga militia, he suddenly and with a swift attack he defeated the Swedish army, which landed at the mouth of the Izhora River (at its confluence with the Neva). For the victory in the battle, named later, in which the young prince showed himself to be a skilled military leader, showed personal valor and heroism, Alexander Yaroslavich received the nickname Nevsky. But soon, due to the intrigues of the Novgorod nobility, Prince Alexander left Novgorod and went to reign in Pereyaslavl-Zalessky.

However, the defeat of the Swedes on the Neva did not completely eliminate the danger looming over Russia: the threat from the north, from the Swedes, was replaced by a threat from the west, from the Germans.

In pursuit of new lands and free labor, under the guise of the intention to convert the pagans to Christianity, crowds of German nobles, knights and monks went to the east. With fire and sword, they suppressed the resistance of the local population, sitting comfortably on its lands, built castles and monasteries here and imposed unbearable extortions and tribute on the Russian people. By the beginning of the 13th century, the entire Baltic was in the hands of the Germans. The population of the Baltics groaned under the whip and yoke of warlike newcomers.

And already in the early autumn of 1240, the Livonian knights invaded the Novgorod possessions and occupied the city of Izborsk. Soon Pskov also shared his fate - the betrayal of the Pskov mayor Tverdila Ivankovich, who went over to the side of the Germans, helped the Germans take it.

Having subjugated the Pskov volost, the Germans built a fortress in Koporye. It was an important foothold that allowed control of the Novgorod trade routes along the Neva, to plan further advance to the East. After that, the Livonian aggressors invaded the very center of the Novgorod possessions, captured Luga and the Novgorod suburb of Tesovo. In their raids, they approached Novgorod for 30 kilometers.

Neglecting past grievances, Alexander Nevsky, at the request of the Novgorodians, returned to Novgorod at the end of 1240 and continued the fight against the invaders. The following year, he recaptured Koporye and Pskov from the knights, returning most of their western possessions to the Novgorodians. But the enemy was still strong, and the decisive battle was yet to come.

In the spring of 1242, reconnaissance of the Livonian Order was sent from Dorpat (former Russian Yuryev, now the Estonian city of Tartu) in order to "probe" the strength of the Russian troops. 18 versts south of Derpt, the order reconnaissance detachment managed to defeat the Russian "dispersal" under the command of Domash Tverdislavich and Kerebet. It was a reconnaissance detachment moving ahead of the troops of Alexander Yaroslavich in the direction of Dorpat. The surviving part of the detachment returned to the prince and informed him of what had happened. The victory over a small detachment of Russians inspired the order command. He developed a tendency to underestimate the Russian forces, a conviction was born in the possibility of their easy defeat. The Livonians decided to give the Russians a battle and for this they set out from Derpt to the south with their main forces, as well as their allies, led by the master of the order himself. main part troops consisted of armored knights.

The battle on Lake Peipsi, which went down in history as the Battle of the Ice, began on the morning of April 5, 1242. At sunrise, noticing a small detachment of Russian shooters, the knightly "pig" rushed at him. Alexander countered the German wedge with the Russian heel - a system in the form of the Roman numeral "V", that is, the angle facing the enemy with a hole. This very hole was covered by a "brow", which consisted of archers, who took the brunt of the "iron regiment" and, with courageous resistance, noticeably upset its advance. Still, the knights managed to break through the defensive orders of the Russian "chela".

A fierce hand-to-hand fight ensued. And at its very height, when the "pig" was completely involved in the battle, at the signal of Alexander Nevsky, the regiments of the left and right hands hit its flanks with all their might. Not expecting the appearance of such Russian reinforcements, the knights were confused and, under their powerful blows, began to gradually retreat. And soon this retreat took on the character of a disorderly flight. Then suddenly, from behind a shelter, a cavalry ambush regiment rushed into battle. The Livonian troops suffered a crushing defeat.

The Russians drove them across the ice for another seven versts to the western shore of Lake Peipsi. 400 knights were destroyed and 50 were taken prisoner. Part of the Livonians drowned in the lake. Those who escaped from the encirclement were pursued by the Russian cavalry, completing their rout. Only those who were in the tail of the "pig" and were on horseback managed to escape: the master of the order, commanders and bishops.

The victory of the Russian troops under the leadership of Prince Alexander Nevsky over the German "dog-knights" has an important historical meaning. The Order asked for peace. Peace was concluded on terms dictated by the Russians. Order ambassadors solemnly renounced all encroachments on Russian lands, which were temporarily captured by the order. The movement of Western invaders to Rus' was stopped.

The western borders of Rus', established after the Battle of the Ice, held out for centuries. The battle on the ice also went down in history as a remarkable example of military tactics and strategy. Skillful formation of a battle order, a clear organization of the interaction of its individual parts, especially infantry and cavalry, constant reconnaissance and taking into account the weaknesses of the enemy when organizing a battle, right choice place and time, the good organization of tactical pursuit, the destruction of most of the superior enemy - all this determined the Russian military art as the best in the world.

The battle of April 5, 1242 on the ice of Lake Peipus is one of the glorious episodes of Russian history. Naturally, it constantly attracted the attention of researchers and popularizers of science. But ideological tendencies often affected the assessment of this event. The description of the battle was overgrown with speculation and myths. It is claimed that from 10 to 17 thousand people participated in this battle from each side. This equates the battle to an exceptionally crowded one.

For the sake of objectivity, it should be noted that positive results have also been achieved in the study of the Battle on the Ice. They are connected with the clarification of the place of the battle, bringing into the system all the surviving Russian and foreign sources.

The main reliable information about the battle of 1242 is contained in Novgorod First Chronicle of the Elder Edition. Her record is contemporary to the event. The chronicler reported general data on the war between Novgorod and the Livonian Order in 1242. He also left a few brief remarks about the battle itself. The next Russian source is "The Life of Alexander Nevsky" created in the 1280s. Largely based on the stories of witnesses who knew and observed Prince Alexander Yaroslavich as a commander, slightly supplements the chronicle. Only the testimony of "an eyewitness who allegedly saw a favorable sign in heaven - the regiment of God" is given.

The data of the two named sources were reflected in many later chronicles. The latter rarely contain new factual additions, but add a number of embellishments. Summing up chronicle and hagiographic reports, we can state that they are rather concise. We learn about the campaign of 1242, the failure of the reconnaissance detachment, the withdrawal of Russian troops to the ice of Lake Peipus, the formation of the German detachment, its defeat and flight. The details of the battle are not given. There is no usual data on the alignment of their regiments, the exploits of combatants, the behavior of the commander. The chiefs of the German army are not mentioned either. There are no names of the dead Novgorodians, which was usually noted if their number was significant. Apparently, a certain etiquette of the chronicler had an effect here, who often bypassed many details of military clashes, taking them for granted and not necessary for weather records.

The conciseness of Russian sources is partly supplemented by the exposition "The Elder Livonian Rhymed Chronicle". Compiled in the last decade of the thirteenth century. The chronicle was intended to be read among the Livonian brothers-knights, therefore, many of the poetic stories cited in it, despite the well-known stereotype, are documentary and very valuable for ideas about the military side of the matter.

Political and military situation

In the first half of the 13th century, in the north-west of Rus', weakened by the Mongol-Tatar invasion, the aggression of the German knights of the Livonian Order was a great danger. They entered into an alliance with the Swedish and Danish knights on a joint attack on Rus'.

A formidable danger hung over Russia from the West, from the side of the Catholic spiritual and chivalric orders. After the founding of the Riga fortress at the mouth of the Dvina (1198), frequent clashes began between the Germans on the one hand, and the Pskovians and Novgorodians on the other.

In 1237, the Teutonic Order of the Knights of the Blessed Virgin Mary, having united into one with the Livonian Order, began to carry out a widespread forcible colonization and Christianization of the Baltic tribes. The Russians helped the pagan Balts, who were tributaries of Veliky Novgorod and did not want to be baptized by Catholic Germans. After a series of small skirmishes, it came to war. Pope Gregory IX blessed the German knights in 1237 to conquer native Russian lands.

In the summer of 1240, German crusaders, gathered from all the fortresses of Livonia, invaded the Novgorod land. The invading army consisted of Germans, Medvezhans, Yuryevites and Danish knights from Revel. With them was a traitor - Prince Yaroslav Vladimirovich. They appeared under the walls of Izborsk and took the city by storm. The people of Pskov rushed to the rescue of their countrymen, but their militia was defeated. Some of the killed were over 800 people, including the voivode Gavrila Gorislavich.

In the footsteps of the fugitives, the Germans approached Pskov, crossed the Velikaya River, pitched their camp under the very walls of the Kremlin, set fire to the settlement and began to destroy churches and surrounding villages. For a whole week they kept the Kremlin under siege, preparing for an assault. But things did not come to this: the Pskovite Tverdilo Ivanovich surrendered the city. The knights took hostages and left their garrison in Pskov.

Prince Alexander Yaroslavich ruled in Novgorod from 1236. In 1240, when the aggression of the Swedish feudal lords against Novgorod began, he was not yet 20 years old. He participated in the campaigns of his father, was well read and had an idea about war and the art of war. But he didn't have much personal experience. Nevertheless, on July 21 (July 15), 1240, with the help of his small squad and the Ladoga militia, he defeated the Swedish army, which landed at the mouth of the Izhora River (at its confluence with the Neva), with a sudden and swift attack. For the victory in the Battle of the Neva, in which the young prince showed himself to be a skilled military leader, showed personal valor and heroism, he was nicknamed "Nevsky". But soon, due to the intrigues of the Novgorod nobility, Prince Alexander left Novgorod and went to reign in Pereyaslavl-Zalessky.

The defeat of the Swedes on the Neva did not completely eliminate the danger hanging over Russia. The appetite of the Germans increased. They have already said: "Let's reproach the Slovenian language ... to ourselves", that is, let's subdue the Russian people. Already in the early autumn of 1240, the Livonian knights occupied the city of Izborsk. Soon his fate was shared by Pskov, captured with the help of traitors - the boyars. In the same autumn of 1240, the Livonians captured the southern approaches to Novgorod, invaded the lands adjacent to the Gulf of Finland, and created the Koporye fortress here, where they left their garrison. It was an important foothold that allowed control of the Novgorod trade routes along the Neva, to plan further advance to the East. After that, the Livonian aggressors invaded the very center of the Novgorod possessions, captured the Novgorod suburb of Tesovo. In the winter of 1240-1241, the knights again appeared as uninvited guests in the Novgorod land. This time they captured the territory of the Vod tribe, east of the river. Narova, "you fought everything and laid tribute on them." Having captured the "Vodskaya Pyatina", the knights captured Tesov (on the Oredezh River), and their patrols appeared 35 km from Novgorod. Thus, a vast territory in the area of ​​Izborsk - Pskov - Sabel - Tesov - Koporye was in the hands of the Germans.

The Germans had already considered the Russian border lands to be their property; the pope "transferred" the coast of the Neva and Karelia under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Ezel, who concluded an agreement with the knights: he negotiated for himself a tenth of everything that the land gives, and left everything else - fishing, mowing, arable land - to the knights.

Then the people of Novgorod remembered Prince Alexander. The lord of Novgorod himself went to ask the Grand Duke of Vladimir Yaroslav Vsevolodovich to let his son go, and Yaroslav, realizing the danger of the threat emanating from the West, agreed: the matter concerned not only Novgorod, but all of Rus'.

Neglecting past grievances, at the request of the Novgorodians, Alexander Nevsky returned to Novgorod at the end of 1240 and continued the fight against the invaders. Alexander organized an army of Novgorodians, Ladoga, Karelians and Izhors. First of all, it was necessary to resolve the question of the method of action. In the hands of the enemy were Pskov and Koporye. Alexander understood that the simultaneous performance in two directions would scatter forces. Therefore, having determined the Koporye direction as a priority - the enemy was approaching Novgorod - the prince decided to strike the first blow at Koporye, and then free Pskov from the invaders.

This operation showed that the forces of the united troops of the Novgorodians and some Finnish tribes could be successful. The moment of the trip was well chosen. In the same 1241, the prince recaptured Pskov from the knights. The Germans, who captured Pskov and its regions, did not have time to fortify there. Part of their forces fought against the Curonians and Lithuanians. But the enemy was still strong, and the decisive battle was ahead.

The march of the Russian troops came as a surprise to the Order. As a result, the knights were expelled from Pskov without a fight, and Alexander's army, after achieving this important goal, invaded the Livonian borders.

Preparing for war

Arriving in Novgorod in 1241, Alexander found Pskov and Koporye in the hands of the Order and immediately began retaliatory actions, taking advantage of the difficulties of the Order, which was then diverted to fight the Mongols (Battle of Legnica).

Before the march on the knights, Alexander Nevsky prayed in the church of Sophia, asking the Lord for help in victory: “Judge me, God, and judge my feud with the eloquent people (with the Livonian Germans), and help me, God, as You helped Moses in ancient times defeat Amalek, and helped my great-grandfather Yaroslav defeat the accursed Svyatopolk.

After this prayer, he left the temple and turned to the squad and the militia with the words: “We will die for St. Sophia and free Novgorod! Let's die for the Holy Trinity and free Pskov! Zane, the Russians have no other fate than to harrow their Russian land, Orthodox faith Christian!" And all the Russian soldiers answered him: "With you, Yaroslavich, we will win or die for the Russian land!"

Thus, in 1241, Alexander went on a campaign. The invasion of the Livonian land pursued limited, "probing" goals. However, the Novgorodians were ready to accept a field battle. In anticipation of the enemy, reconnaissance was carried out, food supplies were replenished, and “full” was captured. The regiments comprehended the Derpt bishopric, but they did not begin to besiege castles and cities, but stayed in the coastal part of Lake Peipus. The brother-knights of the Livonian Order and the Derptians (the chronicle calls them a miracle), perhaps with the support of the Danes who owned Northern Estonia, were preparing for retaliatory actions.

Alexander reached Koporye, took it by storm "and erupted the city from the base", killed most of the garrison: "and beat the Germans themselves, and bring others with them to Novgorod." Some of the knights and mercenaries from the local population were taken prisoner, but released: “and let others go, be more merciful than measure,” and the traitors from among the Chuds were hanged: “and the vozhans and chuds of peretniks (that is, traitors) were hanged (hung )". Vodskaya Pyatina was cleared of the Germans. The right flank and rear of the Novgorod army were now safe.

In March 1242, the Novgorodians again set out on a campaign and were soon near Pskov. Alexander, believing that he did not have enough strength to attack a strong fortress, was waiting for his brother Andrei Yaroslavich with the Suzdal ("lower") squads, which soon approached. When the "grassroots" army was still on the way, Alexander with the Novgorod forces marched near Pskov. The city was surrounded by them. The order did not have time to quickly gather reinforcements and send them to the besieged. The rati included Novgorodians (black people - wealthy citizens, as well as boyars and city foremen), the princely squad of Alexander himself, the Nizovites from Vladimir-Suzdal - a detachment of Grand Duke Yaroslav Vsevolodich, detached under the leadership of Alexander's brother, Andrei Yaroslavich (in this detachment, according to the Rhymed Chronicle, were Suzdalians). In addition, according to the Pskov First Chronicle, there were Pskovians in the army, who apparently joined after the liberation of the city. The total number of Russian troops is not known, but for its time it seemed significant. According to the Life, the regiments marched "in great strength." The German source generally testifies to a 60-fold superiority of Russian forces, which is clearly exaggerated.

Pskov

Pskov was taken, the garrison was killed, and the order's governors (2 knight brothers) in chains were sent to Novgorod. According to the Novgorod First Chronicle of the senior edition (came down to us as part of the parchment Synodal list of the 14th century, containing records of the events of 1016-1272 and 1299-1333). "In the summer of 6750 (1242/1243). Prince Oleksandr went with the people of Novgorod and with his brother Andrey and from Nizov to the Chud land to Nemtsi and Chyud and zaya all the way to Plskov; and drive out the prince of Plskov, seize Nemtsi and Chud, and shackle the streams to Novgorod, and he himself went to Chud.

All these events took place in March 1242. After this defeat, the Order began to concentrate its forces within the Derpt bishopric, preparing an offensive against the Russians. The order gathered a great force: almost all of its knights were here with the “meister” (master) at the head, “with all their biscops (bishops), and with all the multitude of their language, and their power, whatever is in this country, and with help of the queen”, that is, there were German knights, the local population and the army of the Swedish king. In the spring of 1242, reconnaissance of the Livonian Order was sent from Dorpat (Yuriev) in order to probe the strength of the Russian troops.

The Novgorodians outplayed them in time. Alexander decided to transfer the war to the territory of the Order itself, led troops to Izborsk, his intelligence crossed the border. “And go,” the chronicler reports, “to the German land, although Christian blood is to avenge.” Alexander sent forward several reconnaissance detachments. One of them, “dispersal” under the command of the brother of the posadnik Domash Tverdislavich and Kerbet (one of the “nizovsky” governors), ran into German knights and Chuds (Ests), was defeated about 18 kilometers south of Dorpat by an order reconnaissance detachment. At the same time, Domash died: “And as if on the ground (chud), let the whole regiment live; and Domash Tverdislavich and Kerbet were dispersed, and I killed Nemtsi and Chud at the bridge and beat that one; and killed that Domash, the brother of the posadnik, husband is honest, and I beat him with him, and I took him with his hands, and I ran to the prince in the regiment; the prince went back to the lake.

The surviving part of the detachment returned to the prince and informed him of what had happened. The victory over a small detachment of Russians inspired the order command. He developed a tendency to underestimate the Russian forces, a conviction was born in the possibility of their easy defeat. The Livonians decided to give the Russians a battle and for this they set out from Derpt to the south with their main forces, as well as their allies, led by the master of the order himself. The main part of the troops consisted of armored knights.

Alexander was able to determine that the main forces of the knights moved much further north, to the junction between Pskov and Peipus Lakes. Alexander's reconnaissance found out that the enemy sent insignificant forces to Izborsk, and his main forces were moving towards Lake Peipus. Thus, they went out to Novgorod by a short road and cut off the Russian troops in the Pskov region.

The Novgorod army turned to the lake, "the Germans and Chud walked along them." The Novgorodians tried to repel the detour of the German knights by performing an unusual maneuver: they retreated to the ice of Lake Peipsi, north of the Uzmen tract, near the island of Voroniy Kamen: “to Uzmeniu Voronen Kameni”.

Having reached Lake Peipus, the Novgorod army found itself in the center of possible enemy movement routes to Novgorod. The order army also approached there in battle order. Thus, the place of the battle was proposed by the Russian side with a clear expectation to carry out a maneuver battle against the German formation, called the "pig", at the same time by several detachments. Now Alexander decided to give battle and stopped. “The howl of the Grand Duke Alexander, filled with the spirit of a warrior, beating their heart like a lion,” they were ready to “lay down their heads.” The forces of the Novgorodians were a little more knightly troops.

Position of Alexander Nevsky

The troops that opposed the knights on the ice of Lake Peipsi had a heterogeneous composition, but a single command in the person of Alexander.

The battle order of the Russians is not described in the sources, however, according to indirect data, it can be interpreted. In the center was the princely regiment of the commander-in-chief, next to it were the regiments of the right and left hands. Ahead of the main regiment, according to the Rhymed Chronicle, were archers. Before us is a three-part division of the main army, typical for its time, which could, however, be more complex.

"Grassroots regiments" consisted of princely squads, squads of boyars, city regiments. The army sent by Novgorod had a fundamentally different composition. It included the squad of the prince invited to Novgorod (that is, Alexander Nevsky), the squad of the bishop (“lord”), the garrison of Novgorod, who served for a salary (gridi) and was subordinate to the posadnik (however, the garrison could remain in the city itself and not participate in the battle) , Konchansky regiments, militia of settlements and squads of "freemen", private military organizations of boyars and wealthy merchants.

On the whole, the army deployed by Novgorod and the "grassroots" lands was quite powerful force with high fighting spirit. A significant part of the Russian troops, judging by its mobility, significant marching movements across Estonian soil, the desire to measure strength with mounted knights, and finally, the choice of the battle site, which created freedom of maneuver in a large open space, could be mounted.

According to some historians, the total number of Russian troops reached 15 - 17 thousand people. However, this figure is likely to be too high. A real army could number up to 4 - 5 thousand people, of which 800 - 1000 people were on horseback princely squads. Most of it was made up of foot warriors of the militia.

Position of the Order

Of particular note is the question of the number of troops of the order that set foot on the ice of Lake Peipus. Historians' opinions on the number of German knights also differ. Domestic historians usually gave a number of 10 - 12 thousand people. Later researchers, referring to the German Rhyming Chronicle, name three hundred, four hundred people, with the support of foot mercenaries armed with spears, and the allies of the order - Livs. The figures available in chronicle sources are the losses of the order, which amounted to about twenty "brothers" killed and six captured. Considering that for one "brother" there were 3 - 5 "half-brothers" who did not have the right to booty, the total number of the Livonian army itself can be determined at 400 - 500 people.

Given the recent defeat that the Teutons suffered from the Mongols near Legnica on April 9, 1241, the order could not help its Livonian "branch". Also participating in the battle were Danish knights and a militia from Dorpat, which included a large number of Estonians, but knights, which could not be numerous. Thus, the order had a total of about 500 - 700 cavalry and 1000 - 1200 Estonian militia. Like the estimates of Alexander's troops, these figures are debatable.

The question of who commanded the troops of the order in battle is also unresolved. Given the heterogeneous composition of the troops, it is possible that there were several commanders.

Despite the defeat of the order, Livonian sources do not contain information that any of the order's chiefs was killed or captured.

Battle

The battle on Lake Peipus, which went down in history under the name "Battle on the Ice", began on the morning of April 5, 1242.

Alexander Nevsky placed the Russian army on the southeastern shore of Lake Peipsi, opposite the island of Voronii Kamen. There is no information about the order of battle of the troops. It can be assumed that it was a "regiment line" behind one of the flanks. The chosen position was advantageous in that the Germans, advancing along open ice, were deprived of the opportunity to determine the location, number and composition of the Russian rati.

The army of the crusaders lined up in a “wedge” (“pig”, according to Russian chronicles). In chain mail and helmets, with long swords, they seemed invulnerable. The plan of the Livonian knights was to crush the large regiment of Alexander Nevsky with a powerful blow, and then the flank regiments. But Alexander guessed the enemy's plan. In the center of his formation, he placed the weaker regiments, and on the flanks, the strongest. An ambush regiment was hidden to the side.

At sunrise, noticing a small detachment of Russian shooters, the knightly "pig" rushed at him.

Historians considered the "pig" a kind of wedge-shaped army formation - a sharp column. The Russian term in this respect was an exact translation of the German Schweinkopf of the Latin caput porci. In turn, the mentioned term is related to the concept of wedge, point, cuneus, acies. The last two terms have been used in sources since Roman times. But they can not always be interpreted figuratively. So often separate military detachments were called, regardless of the method of their construction. For all that, the very name of such detachments hints at their peculiar configuration. Indeed, the wedge-shaped system is not the fruit of the theoretical fantasy of ancient writers. Such a formation was actually used in the combat practice of the 13th - 15th centuries. in Central Europe, and went out of use only in late XVI centuries.
Based on the surviving written sources, which have not yet attracted the attention of domestic historians, the construction of a wedge (in the chronicle text - “pig”) lends itself to reconstruction in the form of a deep column with a triangular crown. This construction is confirmed by a unique document - the military instruction "Preparation for a Campaign", written in 1477 for one of the Brandenburg commanders. It lists three divisions - gonfalons (Banner). Their names are typical - "Hound", "St. George" and "Great". Banners numbered 400, 500 and 700 cavalry soldiers, respectively. At the head of each detachment, a standard-bearer and selected knights were concentrated, located in 5 ranks. In the first line, depending on the number of banners, from 3 to 7-9 mounted knights lined up, in the last - from 11 to 17. The total number of wedge warriors ranged from 35 to 65 people. The ranks were lined up in such a way that each subsequent one on its flanks increased by two knights. Thus, the extreme warriors in relation to each other were placed, as it were, in a ledge and guarded the one riding in front from one of the sides. This was the tactical feature of the wedge - it was adapted for a concentrated frontal strike and at the same time was difficult to vulnerable from the flanks.

The second, columnar part of the gonfalon, according to the "Preparation for the Campaign", consisted of a quadrangular construction, which included bollards. The number of knechts and each of the three above-mentioned detachments was 365, 442 and 629 (or 645), respectively. They were located in depth from 33 to 43 lines, each of which contained from 11 to 17 horsemen. Among the knechts were servants who were part of the knight's retinue: usually an archer or crossbowman and a squire. All together they formed the lowest military unit - "spear" - numbering 3-5 people, rarely more. During the battle, these warriors, equipped no worse than a knight, came to the aid of their master, changed his horse. The advantages of the column-wedge-shaped banner include its cohesion, flank cover of the wedge, ramming power of the first strike, and precise controllability. The formation of such a banner was convenient both for movement and for starting a battle. The tightly closed ranks of the head part of the detachment, when in contact with the enemy, did not have to turn around to protect their flanks. The wedge of the advancing army made a frightening impression, could cause confusion in the ranks of the enemy at the first onslaught. The wedge detachment was designed to break the formation of the opposing side and an early victory.

The described system was both dry and shortcomings. During the battle, if it dragged on, the best forces - the knights, could be the first to be put out of action. As for the bollards, during the battle of the knights they were in an expectant-passive state and had little effect on the outcome of the battle.

It is also possible to more specifically determine the size of the Livonian combat detachment of the 13th century. In 1268, in the battle of Rakovor, as the chronicle mentions, a German iron regiment, the “great pig,” fought. According to the Rhyming Chronicle, 34 knights and a militia participated in the battle. This number of knights, if supplemented by the commander, will be 35 people, which exactly corresponds to the composition of the knightly wedge of one of the detachments noted in the "Preparation for the Campaign" of 1477. (true for "Hound" - banners, not "Great"). In the same "Preparation for the campaign" the number of knights of such a banner is given - 365 people. Taking into account the fact that the numbers of the warheads of the detachments according to the data of 1477 and 1268 practically coincided, it can be assumed without the risk of a large error that, in terms of their overall quantitative composition, these divisions also approached each other. In this case, we can to a certain extent judge the usual size of the German wedge-shaped banners that took part in the Livonian-Russian wars of the 13th century.

As for the German detachment in the battle of 1242, it is unlikely that its composition was superior to that of Rakovor - the "great pig". During the period under review, the Livonian Order, distracted by the struggle in Courland, could not field a large army.

The details of the battle are poorly known - and much can only be guessed at. The German column, pursuing the retreating Russian detachments, apparently received some information from the patrols sent ahead, and already entered the ice of Lake Peipus in battle order, the bollards walked ahead, followed by a discordant column of “chudins”, which was pressed from the rear a line of knights and sergeants of the Bishop of Dorpat. Apparently, even before the collision with the Russian troops, a small gap formed between the head of the column and the Chud.

The “Rhymed Chronicle” describes the moment of the beginning of the battle as follows: “The Russians had many shooters who courageously stepped forward and were the first to take the onslaught in front of the prince’s retinue.” Apparently the archers did not inflict serious losses. Having fired at the Germans, the archers had no choice but to withdraw to the flanks of a large regiment. The riflemen took the brunt of the "iron regiment" and, with courageous resistance, noticeably upset its advance.

Putting out long spears, the Germans attacked the center (“brow”) of the Russian battle formation. Here is what is written in the “chronicle”: “The banners of the brothers penetrated the ranks of the shooters, it was heard how swords rang, helmets were cut, how the fallen fell on the grass from both sides” most likely this was recorded from the words of an eyewitness who was in the rear ranks of the army, and it is quite possible that the warrior mistook some other Russian unit for the advanced archers.

The chosen tactics paid off. A Russian chronicler writes about the breakthrough of the Novgorod regiments by the enemy: "The Germans also made their way through the regiments like a pig." The knights broke through the defensive orders of the Russian "chela". However, having stumbled upon the steep shore of the lake, the inactive, armored knights could not develop their success. The knights' cavalry crowded together, as the rear ranks of the knights pushed the front ranks, which had nowhere to turn for battle. A fierce hand-to-hand fight ensued. And at its very height, when the "pig" was completely involved in the battle, at the signal of Alexander Nevsky, the regiments of the left and right hands hit its flanks with all their might.

The German "wedge" was clamped in pincers. At this time, Alexander's squad struck from the rear and completed the encirclement of the enemy. "The brothers' army was surrounded."

Warriors who had special spears with hooks pulled the knights off their horses; warriors armed with knives "booters" disabled horses, after which the knights became easy prey. “And there was that slash of evil and great Germans and people, and the betrusk from a copy of the breaking, and the sound from the sword slash, as if the lake would freeze to move, and not see the ice, covered with blood.” The ice began to crack under the weight of heavily armed knights huddled together. The enemy was surrounded.

Then suddenly, from behind a shelter, a cavalry ambush regiment rushed into battle. Not expecting the appearance of such Russian reinforcements, the knights were confused and, under their powerful blows, began to gradually retreat. And soon this retreat took on the character of a disorderly flight. Some knights managed to break through the encirclement and tried to flee, but many of them drowned.

The order chronicler, wishing to somehow explain the fact of the defeat of the brothers in faith, extolled the Russian soldiers: “The Russians had countless bows, a lot of beautiful armor. Their banners were rich, their helmets radiated light." He spoke sparingly about the defeat itself: “Those who were in the army of the knight brothers were surrounded, the knight brothers defended themselves quite stubbornly. But they were defeated there.

From this we can conclude that the German unit was drawn into the battle with the central opposing regiment, while the side regiments managed to cover the flanks of the German rati. The Rhymed Chronicle writes that “part of the Derptians (“Chuds” of the Russian chronicle) left the battle, this was their salvation, they were forced to retreat.” We are talking about the knights who covered the rear of the knights. Thus, the striking force of the German army - the knights - was left without cover. Surrounded, they apparently could not maintain formation, reorganize for new attacks, and, moreover, were left without reinforcements. This predetermined the complete defeat of the German army, in the first place - its most organized and combat-ready force.

The battle ended with the pursuit of the fleeing enemy in a panic. At the same time, some of the enemies died in battle, some were captured, and some, once in place thin ice- "sigovine", fell through the ice. The cavalry of the Novgorodians pursued the remnants of the knightly army, which had fled in disarray, across the ice of Lake Peipsi up to the opposite shore, seven versts, completing their rout.

The Russians also suffered losses: "This victory cost Prince Alexander many brave men." The Novgorod First Chronicle reports that as a result of the battle, 400 Germans fell, 90 were taken prisoner, and "they were devastated." The given posters, apparently, are exaggerated. According to the Rhymed Chronicle, 20 knights died and 6 were taken prisoner. Taking into account the composition of an ordinary knight's spear (3 combatants), the number of killed and captured knights and bollards could reach 78 people. An unexpectedly close figure - 70 dead order knights - is given by German sources of the second half of the 15th-16th centuries. Where such an exact figure of "damage" is taken from is unknown. Didn't the "late" German chronicler triple the losses indicated in the "Rhymed Chronicle" (20 + 6x3 = 78)?

The pursuit of the remnants of a defeated enemy outside the battlefield was a new phenomenon in the development of Russian military art. Novgorodians did not celebrate the victory "on the bones", as was customary before. The German knights were completely defeated. In the battle, more than 400 knights and "countless" other troops were killed, 50 "deliberate commanders", that is, noble knights, were captured. All of them on foot followed the horses of the winners to Pskov. Only those who were in the tail of the "pig" and were on horseback managed to escape: the master of the order, commanders and bishops.

The figures given by the "Rhymed Chronicle" of the disabled fighters may be close to the true ones. As mentioned, there were 26 knights killed and captured. Probably, almost all of them were part of the wedge: these people were the first to enter the battle and were in the greatest danger. Taking into account the five-rank formation, it can be assumed that the number of the wedge was no more than 30-35 knights. Not surprisingly, most of them laid down their lives on the battlefield. This composition of the wedge assumes its maximum width in the form of a line of 11 fighters.

The number of knights in this kind of columns was somewhat more than 300 people. As a result, with all the calculations and assumptions, the total number of the German-Chudian army that took part in the battle of 1242 was unlikely to exceed three or four hundred people, and most likely was even smaller.

After the battle, the Russian army went to Pskov, as it is said in the Life: “And Alexander returned with a glorious victory, and a lot of captives went in his army, and they were led barefoot near the horses, those who called themselves “God's knights”.

The Livonian troops suffered a crushing defeat. "Battle on the Ice" dealt a heavy blow to the order. This battle stopped the advance of the crusaders to the East, which was aimed at the conquest and colonization of Russian lands.

The significance of the victory of the Russian troops under the leadership of Prince Alexander Nevsky over the German knights was truly historical. The Order asked for peace. Peace was concluded on terms dictated by the Russians.

In the summer of 1242, the “order brothers” sent ambassadors to Novgorod with a bow: “I have entered Pskov, Vod, Luga, Latygola with a sword, and we are retreating from everything, and what we have taken into the full of your people (captives), and we will change them, we will let yours in, and you will let ours in, and we will let Pskov full.” Order ambassadors solemnly renounced all encroachments on Russian lands, which were temporarily captured by the order. The Novgorodians agreed to these conditions, and peace was concluded.

The victory was won not only by the strength of Russian weapons, but also by the strength of the Russian faith. The squads continued to fight under the command of the glorious prince in 1245 with the Lithuanians, in 1253 again with the German knights, in 1256 with the Swedes, and in 1262 together with the Lithuanians against the Livonian knights. All this was later, and after the Battle of the Ice, Prince Alexander lost his parents one by one, remaining an orphan.

The battle on the ice went down in history as a remarkable example of military tactics and strategy and became the first case in the history of military art when heavy knightly cavalry was defeated in a field battle by an army consisting mostly of infantry. The Russian battle formation (“regimental formation” in the presence of a reserve) turned out to be flexible, as a result of which it was possible to encircle the enemy, whose battle formation was a sedentary mass; the infantry successfully interacted with their cavalry.

Skillful formation of a battle order, a clear organization of the interaction of its individual parts, especially infantry and cavalry, constant reconnaissance and taking into account the weaknesses of the enemy in organizing battles, the right choice of place and time, good organization of tactical pursuit, the destruction of most of the superior enemy - all this determined the Russian military art as the foremost in the world.

The victory over the army of the German feudal lords was of great political and military-strategic importance, postponing their offensive to the East - "Drang nach Osten", - which was the leitmotif of German policy from 1201 to 1241. The northwestern border of the Novgorod land was securely secured just in time for the Mongols to return from a campaign in Central Europe. Later, when Batu returned to Eastern Europe, Alexander showed the necessary flexibility and agreed with him on the establishment of peaceful relations, eliminating any reason for new invasions.

Losses

The question of the losses of the parties in the battle is controversial. About Russian losses, it is said vaguely: "many brave warriors fell." Apparently, the losses of the Novgorodians were really heavy. The losses of the knights are indicated by specific numbers, which cause controversy.

Russian chronicles, and after them domestic historians, say that about five hundred people were killed by the knights, and the Chudi were “pade beschisla”, as if fifty “brothers”, “deliberate governors” were taken prisoner. Five hundred killed knights is a completely unrealistic figure, since there were no such number in the entire Order.

According to the Livonian chronicle, the battle was not a major military clash, and the losses of the Order amounted to an insignificant amount. The Rhymed Chronicle specifically says that twenty knights died and six were taken prisoner. Perhaps the "Chronicle" has in mind only brother-knights, not taking into account their squads and the Chud recruited into the army. The Novgorod “First Chronicle” tells that 400 “Germans” fell in the battle, 50 were taken prisoner, and the “chud” is also discounted: “beschisla”. Apparently, they suffered really serious losses.

So, 400 German soldiers really fell on the ice of Lake Peipus (twenty of them were real knight brothers), and 50 Germans (of which 6 were brothers) were captured by the Russians. "The Life of Alexander Nevsky" claims that the prisoners then walked near their horses during the joyful entry of Prince Alexander into Pskov.

In the Rhymed Chronicle, the Livonian chronicler claims that the battle did not take place on the ice, but on the shore, on land. According to the conclusions of the expedition of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR under the leadership of Karaev, the site of the Warm Lake, located 400 meters west of the modern shore of Cape Sigovets, between its northern tip and the latitude of the village of Ostrov, can be considered the immediate place of the battle.

It should be noted that the battle on a flat surface of ice was more beneficial for the heavy cavalry of the Order, however, it is traditionally believed that Alexander Yaroslavich chose the place to meet the enemy.

Consequences

According to the point of view traditional in Russian historiography, this battle, together with the victories of Prince Alexander over the Swedes (July 15, 1240 on the Neva) and over the Lithuanians (in 1245 near Toropets, near Lake Zhiztsa and near Usvyat), was of great importance for Pskov and Novgorod, holding back the pressure of three serious enemies from the west - at the very time when the rest of Russia was suffering heavy losses from princely strife and the consequences of the Tatar conquest. In Novgorod, the Battle of the Germans on the Ice was remembered for a long time: together with the Neva victory over the Swedes, it was remembered in litanies in all Novgorod churches as early as the 16th century.

The English researcher J. Fannel believes that the significance of the Battle of the Ice (and the Battle of the Neva) is greatly exaggerated: “Alexander did only what the numerous defenders of Novgorod and Pskov did before him and what many did after him - namely, they rushed to protect the extended and vulnerable borders from invaders. The Russian professor I.N. Danilevsky. He notes, in particular, that the battle was inferior in scale to the battles near Siauliai (1236), in which the master of the order and 48 knights were killed by the Lithuanians (20 knights died on Lake Peipsi), and the battle near Rakovor in 1268; contemporary sources even describe the Battle of the Neva in more detail and attach more importance to it.

"Battle on the Ice" - a monument in honor of the victory of Russian soldiers over the German knights on April 5, 1242 on Lake Peipsi.

It is located on Mount Sokolikha, Piskovichi volost, Pskov region. Opened in July 1993.

The main part of the monument is a bronze sculpture of Russian soldiers headed by A. Nevsky. The composition includes copper ensigns, which testify to the participation in the battle of Pskov, Novgorod, Vladimir and Suzdal warriors.

Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword.

Alexander Nevskiy

The battle on the ice is one of the most famous battles in the history of Russia. The battle took place in early April 1242 on Lake Peipsi, on the one hand, the troops of the Novgorod Republic, led by Alexander Nevsky, took part in it, on the other hand, the troops of the German Crusaders, mainly representatives of the Livonian Order, opposed him. If Nevsky had lost this battle, the history of Russia could have gone in a completely different direction, but the prince of Novgorod was able to win. Now let's look at this page of Russian history in more detail.

Preparing for battle

To understand the essence of the Battle on the Ice, it is necessary to understand what preceded it, and how the opponents went to battle. So ... After the Swedes lost the Battle of the Neva, the Germans-crusaders decided to more carefully prepare for a new campaign. The Teutonic Order also allocated part of its army to help. Back in 1238, Dietrich von Grüningen became the master of the Livonian Order, many historians attribute to him a decisive role in shaping the idea of ​​​​a campaign against Rus'. The crusaders were additionally motivated by Pope Gregory IX, who in 1237 declared a crusade against Finland, and in 1239 called on the princes of Rus' to respect the border orders.

Novgorodians at this point already had a successful experience of the war with the Germans. In 1234 Alexander's father Yaroslav defeated them in a battle on the Omovzha River. Alexander Nevsky, knowing the plans of the crusaders, from 1239 began to build a line of fortifications along the southwestern border, but the Swedes made minor adjustments to his plans, attacking from the northwest. After their defeat, Nevsky continued to strengthen the borders, and also married the daughter of the Polotsk prince, thereby enlisting his support in case of a future war.

At the end of 1240, the Germans began a campaign against the lands of Rus'. In the same year they took Izborsk, and in 1241 they besieged Pskov. At the beginning of March 1242, Alexander helped the inhabitants of Pskov to liberate their principality and forced the Germans to the north-west of the city, to the area of ​​Lake Peipsi. It was there that the decisive battle took place, which went down in history as the Battle of the Ice.

The course of the battle briefly

The first clashes of the battle on the ice began in early April 1242 on the northern shore of Lake Peipsi. The crusaders were led by a famous commander Andreas von Velfen, who was twice as old as the Novgorod prince. The army of Nevsky consisted of 15-17 thousand soldiers, while the Germans had about 10 thousand of them. However, according to the chroniclers, both in Rus' and abroad, the German troops were much better armed. But as the further development of events showed, this played a cruel joke on the Crusaders.

The battle on the ice took place on April 5, 1242. The German troops, who mastered the “pigs” attack technique, that is, a strict and disciplined formation, directed the main blow to the center of the enemy. However, Alexander first attacked the enemy army with the help of archers, and then ordered a strike on the flanks of the crusaders. As a result, the Germans were pushed forward onto the ice of Lake Peipsi. Winter at that time was long and cold, so at the time of April, ice (very fragile) remained on the reservoir. After the Germans realized that they were retreating to the ice, it was already too late: the ice began to crack under the pressure of heavy German armor. That is why historians called the battle "battle on the ice." As a result, some of the soldiers drowned, the other part was killed in battle, but most still managed to escape. After that, Alexander's troops finally expelled the crusaders from the territory of the Pskov principality.

The exact location of the battle has not yet been established, this is due to the fact that Lake Peipus has a very variable hydrography. In 1958-1959, the first archaeological expedition was organized, but no traces of the battle were found.

Historical reference

Result and historical significance of the battle

The first result of the battle was that the Livonian and Teutonic Orders signed a truce with Alexander and renounced their claims to Rus'. Alexander himself became the de facto ruler of Northern Rus'. Already after his death, in 1268, the Livonian Order violated the truce: the Battle of Rakov took place. But this time, the troops of Rus' won the victory.

After the victory in the “battle on the ice”, the Novgorod Republic, led by Nevsky, was able to move from defensive tasks to the conquest of new territories. Alexander undertook several successful campaigns against the Lithuanians.

As for the historical significance of the battle on Lake Peipsi, the main role of Alexander is that he managed to stop the offensive of a powerful crusader army on Russian lands. Renowned historian L. Gumelev argues that the fact of the conquest by the crusaders would mean the end for the very existence of Rus', and hence the end of the future Russia.

Some historians criticize Nevsky for his truce with the Mongols, that he did not help defend Rus' from them. In this discussion, most historians are still on the side of Nevsky, because in the situation in which he found himself, it was necessary either to negotiate with the Khan, or to fight with two powerful enemies at once. And as a competent politician and commander, Nevsky made a wise decision.

The exact date of the Battle of the Ice

The battle took place on April 5, according to the old style. In the 20th century, the difference between the styles consisted of 13 days, which is why April 18 was assigned to the holiday. However, from the point of view of historical justice, it is worth recognizing that in the 13th century (when there was a battle) the difference was 7 days. Based on this logic, the Battle of the Ice took place on April 12 in a new style. However, today April 18th is a public holiday in Russian Federation, Day of military glory. It is on this day that the Battle of the Ice and its significance in the history of Russia are remembered.

Participants in the battle after

Having achieved victory, the Novgorod Republic begins its rapid development. However, in the XVI there was a decline of both the Livonian Order and Novgorod. Both of these events are associated with the ruler of Moscow, Ivan the Terrible. He deprived Novgorod of the privileges of the Republic, subordinating these lands to a single state. After the Livonian Order lost its power and influence in Eastern Europe, Grozny declared war on Lithuania in order to strengthen his own influence and expand the territories of his state.

An alternative view of the battle on Lake Peipsi

Due to the fact that during the archaeological expedition of 1958-1959 no traces and the exact place of the battle were found, and also given the fact that the annals of the 13th century contain very little information about the battle, two alternative views on the Battle of the Ice of 1242 were formed, which briefly reviewed below:

1. At first glance, there was no battle at all. This is an invention of historians of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, in particular Solovyov, Karamzin and Kostomarov. According to historians who share this point of view, the need to create this battle was due to the fact that it was necessary to justify Nevsky's cooperation with the Mongols, as well as to show the strength of Rus' in relation to Catholic Europe. Basically, a small number of historians adhere to this theory, since it is very difficult to deny the very existence of the battle, because the battle on Lake Peipus is described in some chronicles of the late 13th century, as well as in the chronicles of the Germans.
2. The second alternative theory: The Battle on the Ice is briefly described in the annals, which means that it is a greatly exaggerated event. Historians who adhere to this point of view say that there were much fewer participants in the massacre, and the consequences for the Germans were less dramatic.

If professional Russian historians deny the first theory, how historical fact, then as for the second version, they have one weighty argument: even if the scale of the battle is exaggerated, this should not reduce the role of the victory over the Germans in the history of Russia. By the way, in 2012-2013, archaeological expeditions were carried out, as well as studies of the bottom of Lake Peipus. Archaeologists have found several new likely sites of the Battle of the Ice, in addition, the study of the bottom showed the presence of a sharp decrease in depth near Vorony Island, which suggests the existence of the legendary "Raven Stone", that is, the approximate location of the battle, named in the annals of 1463.

Battle on the Ice in the culture of the country

1938 is significant in the history of lighting historical events in modern culture. This year, the famous Russian writer Konstantin Simonov wrote the poem "Battle on the Ice", and director Sergei Eisenstein made the film "Alexander Nevsky", in which he singled out the two main battles of the Novgorod ruler: on the Neva River and Lake Peipus. Of particular importance was the image of Nevsky during the Great Patriotic War. Poets, artists, directors turned to him to show the citizens of the Soviet Union an example of a successful war with the Germans and thereby raise the morale of the army.

In 1993, a monument was erected on Mount Sokolikha near Pskov. A year earlier, a monument to Nevsky was erected in the village of Kobylye fortification (the settlement as close as possible to the place of the battle). In 2012, the Museum of the Battle on the Ice of 1242 was opened in the village of Samolva, Pskov Region.

As we see, even Short story The battle on the ice is not only the battle on April 5, 1242 between the Novgorodians and the Germans. This is very an important event in the history of Russia, because thanks to the talent of Alexander Nevsky, Rus' was saved from being conquered by the crusaders.

Rus' in the XIII century and the arrival of the Germans

In 1240, Novgorod was attacked by the Swedes, by the way, allies of the Livonians, the future participants in the Battle of the Ice. Prince Alexander Yaroslavovich, who at that time was only 20 years old, defeats the Swedes on Lake Neva, for which he receives the nickname "Nevsky". In the same year, the Mongols burned Kyiv, that is, most of Rus' was occupied with the war with the Mongols, Nevsky and its Novgorod Republic were left alone with strong enemies. The Swedes were defeated, but Alexander was ahead of a stronger and more powerful rival: the German crusaders. In the XII century, the Pope created the Order of the Swordsmen and sent them to the coast of the Baltic Sea, where they received from him the right to own all the conquered lands. These events went down in history as the Northern Crusade. Since most of the members of the Order of the Sword were immigrants from Germany, therefore this order was called German. IN early XIII century, the order breaks up into several military organizations, the main of which were the Teutonic and Livonian orders. In 1237, the Livonians recognized their dependence on the Teutonic Order, but had the right to choose their master. It was the Livonian Order that were the closest neighbors of the Novgorod Republic.

Many memorable battles have taken place throughout history. And some of them are famous for the fact that the Russian troops inflicted a crushing defeat on the enemy forces. All of them were of great importance for the history of the country. It will not be possible to cover absolutely all the battles in one small review. There is not enough time or energy for this. However, one of them is still worth talking about. And this battle is a battle on the ice. Briefly about this battle we will try to tell in this review.

A battle of great historical significance

On April 5, in 1242, a battle took place between Russian and Livonian troops (German and Danish knights, Estonian soldiers and Chuds). It happened on the ice of Lake Peipus, namely on its southern part. As a result, the battle on the ice ended with the defeat of the invaders. The victory that took place on Lake Peipus is of great historical significance. But you should know that German historians to this day unsuccessfully try to downplay the results that were achieved in those days. But the Russian troops managed to stop the advance of the crusaders to the East and prevented them from achieving the conquest and colonization of Russian lands.

Aggressive behavior on the part of the troops of the Order

In the period from 1240 to 1242, the German crusaders, Danish and Swedish feudal lords intensified aggressive actions. They took advantage of the fact that Rus' was weakened due to regular attacks from the Mongol-Tatars under the leadership of Batu Khan. Before the battle on the ice broke out, the Swedes had already been defeated during the battle at the mouth of the Neva. However, despite this, the crusaders launched a campaign against Rus'. They were able to capture Izborsk. And after some time, with the help of traitors, Pskov was also conquered. The crusaders even built a fortress after the capture of the Koporsky churchyard. This happened in 1240.

What preceded the battle on the ice?

The invaders also planned to conquer Veliky Novgorod, Karelia and those lands that were located at the mouth of the Neva. The crusaders planned to do all this in 1241. However, Alexander Nevsky, having gathered Novgorodians, Ladoga, Izhors and Korelov under his banner, was able to drive the enemy out of the lands of Koporye. The army, together with the approaching Vladimir-Suzdal regiments, entered the territory of the Ests. However, after that, unexpectedly turning to the East, Alexander Nevsky liberated Pskov.

Then Alexander moved again fighting to the Estonian territory. In this, he was guided by the need to prevent the crusaders from gathering the main forces. In addition, by his actions, he forced them into a premature attack. The knights, having gathered a sufficiently large force, marched to the East, being in full confidence in their victory. Not far from the village of Hammast, they defeated the Russian detachment of Domash and Kerbet. However, some warriors who remained alive were still able to warn of the approach of the enemy. Alexander Nevsky deployed his army in a narrow place in the southern part of the lake, thus forcing the enemy to fight in conditions that were not very convenient for him. It was this battle that subsequently acquired such a name as the Battle of the Ice. The knights simply could not make their way towards Veliky Novgorod and Pskov.

The beginning of the famous battle

The two opposing sides met on April 5, 1242, early in the morning. The enemy column, which pursued the retreating Russian soldiers, most likely received some information from the sentinels sent ahead. Therefore, the enemy soldiers entered the ice in full order of battle. In order to get close to the Russian troops, the united German-Chudsky regiments, it was necessary to spend no more than two hours, moving at a measured pace.

Actions of the soldiers of the Order

The battle on the ice began from the moment when the enemy discovered Russian archers about two kilometers away. The master of the order von Velven, who led the campaign, gave the signal to prepare for hostilities. By his order, the battle formation was to be compacted. All this was done until the wedge came within bow range. Having reached this position, the commander gave an order, after which the head of the wedge and the entire column launched the horses at a rapid pace. A ram attack performed by heavily armed knights on huge horses, fully armored, was supposed to bring panic to the Russian regiments.

When only a few tens of meters remained before the first rows of soldiers, the knights launched their horses into a gallop. This action was performed by them in order to enhance the fatal blow from the attack of the wedge. The battle on Lake Peipus began with archers firing. However, the arrows bounced off the chained knights and did not cause serious damage. Therefore, the arrows simply scattered, retreating to the flanks of the regiment. But it is necessary to highlight the fact that they achieved their goal. Archers were placed on the front line so that the enemy could not see the main forces.

An unpleasant surprise that was presented to the enemy

At that moment, when the archers withdrew, the knights noticed that Russian heavy infantry in magnificent armor was already waiting for them. Each soldier held a long pike in his hands. It was no longer possible to stop the attack that had begun. The knights also did not have time to rebuild their ranks. This was due to the fact that the head of the attacking ranks was propped up by the bulk of the troops. And if the front ranks stopped, they would be crushed by their own. And that would lead to even more confusion. Therefore, the inertia attack was continued. The knights hoped that they would be lucky, and the Russian troops simply would not hold back their furious attack. However, the enemy was already psychologically broken. Towards him rushed the whole force of Alexander Nevsky with peaks at the ready. The battle on Lake Peipus was short. However, the consequences of this collision were simply terrifying.

You can't win by standing in one place

There is an opinion that the Russian army was waiting for the Germans without leaving the spot. However, it should be understood that the strike will be stopped only in the event of a retaliatory strike. And if the infantry under the leadership of Alexander Nevsky did not move towards the enemy, then it would simply be swept away. In addition, it must be understood that those troops that passively expect an enemy strike always lose. This is clearly demonstrated by history. Therefore, the battle on the ice of 1242 would have been lost by Alexander if he had not taken retaliatory actions, but had been waiting for the enemy, standing still.

The first infantry banners that collided with the German troops were able to extinguish the inertia of the enemy wedge. The impact force was used up. It should be noted that the first onslaught was partially repaid by the archers. However, the main blow still fell on the front line of the Russian troops.

Fight with superior forces

It was from this moment that the ice battle of 1242 began. The trumpets sang, and the infantry of Alexander Nevsky simply rushed onto the ice of the lake, raising their banners high. With one blow delivered to the flank, the soldiers were able to cut off the head of the wedge from the main part of the enemy troops.

The attack took place in several directions. A large regiment was supposed to deliver the main blow. It was he who attacked the enemy wedge in the forehead. Cavalry squads made a blow to the flanks of the German troops. The warriors were able to create a gap in the enemy forces. There were also cavalry units. They were assigned the role of striking at the Chud. And despite the stubborn resistance of the encircled knights, they were broken. It should also be taken into account that some of the monsters, once surrounded, rushed to run away, only noticing that they were being attacked by cavalry. And, most likely, it was at that moment that they realized that it was not the usual militia that was fighting against them, but professional squads. This factor did not add confidence in their abilities to them. The battle on the ice, the pictures of which you can see in this review, also took place due to the fact that the soldiers of the Bishop of Dorpat ran from the battlefield after the miracle, who, most likely, did not enter the battle.

Die or Surrender!

The enemy soldiers, who were surrounded on all sides by superior forces, did not wait for help. They didn't even have a chance to change. Therefore, they had no choice but to surrender or perish. However, someone still managed to break through the encirclement. But the best forces of the crusaders remained surrounded. The bulk of the Russian soldiers killed. Some of the knights were taken prisoner.

The history of the Battle of the Ice claims that while the main Russian regiment remained to finish off the crusaders, other soldiers rushed to pursue those who retreated in panic. Some of the fugitives hit the thin ice. It happened on the Warm Lake. The ice could not stand it and broke. Therefore, many knights simply drowned. Based on this, we can say that the place of the Battle of the Ice was chosen well for the Russian army.

Battle duration

The First Novgorod Chronicle says that about 50 Germans were taken prisoner. About 400 people were killed on the battlefield. Death and captivity a large number professional warriors, according to the European measure, turned out to be a rather heavy defeat, which borders on disaster. Russian troops also suffered losses. However, compared to the losses of the enemy, they were not so heavy. The whole battle with the head of the wedge took no more than an hour. Time was still spent chasing the fleeing warriors and returning to their original position. This took another 4 hours. The battle on the ice on Lake Peipsi was completed by 5 o'clock, when it was already getting dark. Alexander Nevsky, after dark, decided not to organize a persecution. Most likely, this is due to the fact that the results of the battle exceeded all expectations. And there was no desire to risk their warriors in this situation.

The main goals of Prince Nevsky

1242, the Battle of the Ice brought confusion to the ranks of the Germans and their allies. After a devastating battle, the enemy expected Alexander Nevsky to approach the walls of Riga. In this regard, they even decided to send ambassadors to Denmark, who were supposed to beg for help. But Alexander, after the battle won, returned to Pskov. In this war, he sought only to return the Novgorod lands and to strengthen power in Pskov. This is exactly what was successfully carried out by the prince. And already in the summer, ambassadors of the order arrived in Novgorod with the aim of concluding peace. They were simply stunned by the Battle of the Ice. The year when the order began to pray for help is the same - 1242. It happened in the summer.

The movement of the western invaders was stopped

The peace treaty was concluded on the terms dictated by Alexander Nevsky. The ambassadors of the order solemnly renounced all those encroachments on Russian lands that occurred on their part. In addition, they returned all the territories that were captured. Thus, the movement of Western invaders towards Rus' was completed.

Alexander Nevsky, for whom the Battle on the Ice became a determining factor in his reign, was able to return the lands. The western frontiers that he established after the battle with the order were held for more than one century. The battle on Lake Peipus went down in history as a remarkable example of military tactics. There are many determining factors in the success of the Russian troops. This is the skillful construction of the battle formation, and the successful organization of the interaction of each individual unit with each other, and clear actions on the part of intelligence. Alexander Nevsky took into account and weak sides enemy, was able to make the right choice in favor of the place for the battle. He correctly calculated the time for the battle, well organized the pursuit and destruction of superior enemy forces. The battle on the ice showed everyone that Russian military art should be considered advanced.

The most controversial issue in the history of the battle

Losses of the parties in the battle - this topic is quite controversial in a conversation about the Battle of the Ice. The lake, together with Russian soldiers, took the lives of approximately 530 Germans. About 50 more soldiers of the order were taken prisoner. This is said in many Russian chronicles. It should be noted that those figures that are indicated in the "Rhymed Chronicle" are controversial. The Novgorod First Chronicle indicates that about 400 Germans died in the battle. 50 knights were captured. During the compilation of the chronicle, the Chud was not even taken into account, since, according to the chroniclers, they simply died in huge numbers. The Rhyming Chronicle says that only 20 knights died, and only 6 warriors were captured. Naturally, 400 Germans could fall in the battle, of which only 20 knights could be considered real. The same can be said about the captured soldiers. The chronicle "The Life of Alexander Nevsky" says that in order to humiliate the captured knights, their boots were taken away. Thus, they walked barefoot on the ice next to their horses.

The losses of the Russian troops are rather vague. All chronicles say that many brave warriors died. It follows from this that the losses on the part of the Novgorodians were heavy.

What was the significance of the Battle of Peipus Lake?

In order to determine the meaning of the battle, it is worth taking into account the point of view traditional in Russian historiography. Such victories of Alexander Nevsky, as the battle with the Swedes in 1240, with the Lithuanians in 1245 and the Battle of the Ice, are of great importance. It was the battle on Lake Peipus that helped to keep the pressure of quite serious enemies. At the same time, it should be understood that in those days in Rus' there were constant feuds between individual princes. Unity was not even to be thought of. In addition, constant attacks from the Mongol-Tatars affected.

However, the English explorer Fannel said that the significance of the battle on Lake Peipus was greatly exaggerated. According to him, Alexander did the same as many other defenders of Novgorod and Pskov in preserving the long and vulnerable borders from numerous invaders.

The memory of the battle will be preserved

What else can be said about the Battle of the Ice? A monument to this great battle was erected in 1993. It happened in Pskov on Mount Sokolikha. It is almost 100 kilometers away from the real battlefield. The monument is dedicated to the "Squads of Alexander Nevsky". Anyone can visit the mountain and see the monument.

In 1938, Sergei Eisenstein made a feature film, which it was decided to call "Alexander Nevsky". In this film, the Battle on the Ice is displayed. The film has become one of the most striking historical projects. It was thanks to him that it was possible to form an idea of ​​​​the battle in modern viewers. In it, almost to the smallest detail, all the main points that are associated with the battles on Lake Peipsi are considered.

In 1992, a documentary film called "In memory of the past and in the name of the future" was filmed. In the same year, in the village of Kobylya, in a place as close as possible to the territory where the battle took place, a monument to Alexander Nevsky was erected. He was at the Church of the Archangel Michael. There is also a worship cross, which was cast in St. Petersburg. For this, funds from numerous patrons were used.

The scale of the battle is not so huge

In this review, we tried to consider the main events and facts that characterize the Battle of the Ice: on which lake the battle took place, how the battle took place, how the troops behaved, what factors became decisive in victory. We also looked at the main points related to losses. It should be noted that the battle of Chud, although it went down in history as one of the most grandiose battles, there were such wars that surpassed it. It was inferior in scale to the Battle of Saul, which took place in 1236. In addition, the battle of Rakovor in 1268 also turned out to be larger. There are some other battles that are not only not inferior to the battles on Lake Peipus, but also surpass them in grandiosity.

Conclusion

However, it was for Rus' that the Battle on the Ice became one of the most significant victories. And this has been confirmed by numerous historians. Despite the fact that many specialists, who are quite strongly attracted by history, perceive the Battle of the Ice from the position of a simple battle, and also try to downplay its results, it will remain in everyone's memory as one of the largest battles that ended for us in a complete and unconditional victory. We hope that this review has helped you understand the main points and nuances that accompanied the famous massacre.