Lake Peipus, 1242: Battle of the Ice (Osprey Campaign, No. 46)

96 pp. The battle of Lake Peipus took place in 1242 between the Teutonic Knights and the Russian city-state of Novgorod, led by its inspirational leader Alexandre Nevskii. The Teutonic Knights were a powerful military order, backed by the crusading zeal of Europe, the blessing of the Pope and the support of the Holy Roman Emperor. This battle, although little-known in the West, was important in the history of the medieval eastern Crusades, the Teutonic defeat having a serious effect on future events. David Nicolle's text examines the Crusade against Novgorod and the fierce fighting around the frozen shores of Lake Peipus.