Alexander Nevski, St (1220–1263)

Russian military leader, ruler of Novgorod in 1236, and Grand Prince of Vladimir in 1252. He survived Mongol attacks in 1237–40, which enabled him to defeat the Swedes in 1240 and the Germans in 1242.

He defended Russia equally successfully against the Lithuanians, and was appointed Grand Prince of Vladimir by the Khan of the Golden Horde. He spent the rest of his life endeavouring to improve the lot of the Russians and to relieve the distress caused by the Tatar invasion. He was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church 1547. Peter the Great founded a monastery in St Petersburg dedicated to him, and instituted an order called after him which was abolished 1917 but revived 1942 as a military decoration.

Alexander pursued a policy of compromise with Russia's Mongol rulers following the conquest of 1237–40. This enabled him to beat off attacks by Sweden at the Battle of the Neva 1240 and, most famously, in the ‘Battle on the Ice’ against the Teutonic Knights and crusaders on Lake Peipus in 1242. Alexander lured the Germans into an ambush, and his allied Mongol horse archers played an important role in defeating their left flank.