Izhora land and the Karelian Isthmus attracted both Russians and Swedes in the 13th century. These armies also fought for power over the Finno-Finns. As a result of the Battle of Neva, the Russian troops defeated the Swedes, thereby halting their march to Novgorod and Ladoga.
The Neva battle began on July 15, 1240. Enemy troops, consisting of the Swedish militia, Finnish and Norwegian tribes, landed on the Izhora River in the place where it flows into the Neva. The purpose of the enemy army was to capture the city of Ladoga. Their plan was to firmly gain a foothold on the shores of Lake Ladoga and the Neva, after which the enemies hoped to conquer Novgorod.
Novgorod was well guarded by guard squads along the shores of the Gulf of Finland and in the Neva. The Izhorians were the first to notice the onset of enemies, their headman reported the impending misfortune to the prince of the city - Alexander Yaroslavovich. The ruler decided to quickly repulse the enemy and gathered his own squad. The inhabitants of the nearest villages joined the Novgorod army.
The enemy army did not expect such active and quick action on the part of the Russian army, so the enemy was taken by surprise. Surprise was one of the factors that ensured the victory of the Novgorodians. The army of Alexander attacked the Swedes early in the morning, and the battle ended after dark. The enemy army retreated and loaded their dead on ships.
This battle was the first battle of the young prince, but the victory was very important for all of Russia. The main objective of the enemy was to cut off the state from access to the Baltic Sea, thereby undermining trade. The Neva battle was the first in a series of battles to maintain access to the sea. The victory ensured the relative safety of Novgorod.
Little is known about the Battle of Neva, the records of the chroniclers are scarce and do not give a complete picture of the events. Many historians and scientists had to think out, build theories and assumptions.
It is not completely clear who exactly led the Swedish army. According to one version, the army ruled the king. The Life of Alexander Nevsky says that the leader was Jarl Birger II. But he received his title only in 1248, so he could not lead the army. Before Birger II, the jarl was Ulf Fassi, some claim that it was he who commanded the Swedish army.
