On July 15, 1240 — 784 years ago — the Novgorod troops under the command of Prince Alexander Nevsky defeated the Swedish invaders who had entered the territory of Novgorod lands. This event went down in national history as the Battle of the Neva. In the 13th century, Sweden sought to expand its dominions and establish control over the territories around the Gulf of Finland. The invaders intended to establish a fortress here and convert the local population to Catholicism — but they met strong resistance from the Novgorodians and the young Prince Alexander Yaroslavich. The Swedes landed on the shore of the Neva River in the area where the Izhora River flows into the Neva, near present-day St. Petersburg. Upon learning of the invasion, Alexander Nevsky quickly assembled an army and marched to meet the enemy. The battle was short but fierce and ended in a complete victory for the Russian warriors. The victory in the Battle of the Neva prevented further Swedish advancement eastward and strengthened the positions of the Novgorod Republic. Alexander Nevsky became a national hero and a symbol of the defense of Russian lands against foreign invaders. InterestingFact. At the time of the Battle of the Neva, Alexander Yaroslavich was only 19 years old. He distinguished himself both as a mature commander and as a skilled warrior, fighting side by side with his troops. It was for this victory that the young prince was honored with the title Nevsky. Canonized in 1547, the prince is considered the patron saint of Russian diplomacy.