Alexander Nevsky: His Life And Legacy Essay Example

to the East, also known as Drang nach Osten, has been stopped permanently. This allowed for the Russian northwest region to maintain its independence. The people of Novgorod were ungrateful and expelled Nevsky just like they had done with previous princes. However, the Mongols posed a much more difficult challenge. In 1257, they invaded the Vladimir principality once again, which was the strongest in Northern Russia. They regained control after Prince Andrew, who is Nevsky's brother, failed in his attempt to fight against them.

Alexander neglected his brother and quashed a rebellion in Novgorod, exerting his authority as a prince of Vladimir.

During his rule as Grand Prince, Alexander focused on rebuilding Russia through constructing fortifications and churches, as well as implementing new laws. He maintained control over Novgorod through his son Vasily, changing the traditional process of rule from one based on invitation to one of institutional sovereignty. However, in 1255, Novgorod expelled Vasily, prompting Alexander to assemble an army and restore Vasily to the throne.

In 1262, Russian principalities revolted against foreign rule. At first, it appeared that Alexander supported the rebellion. However, he later went to the Horde to plead with Berke-khan not to invade Russia, promising to personally punish the rebels.

The Khan, possibly concerned about the tense political situation in the Golden Horde, agreed. However, Alexander died while returning, and there are theories suggesting that he may have been poisoned by the Tatars to eliminate a potential threat to their authority in Russia.

The iconographic representations alone do not suffice to define the life of Alexander Nevsky. He was a formidable warrior and merciless leader,

embodying the values of his time by prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of his subjects.

In order to secure a future for his successors, he had a simple choice: either fight and perish or submit and survive. He mercilessly defeated Russia's adversaries whenever possible, relying heavily on the support of the Mongols.

References

1. Isoaho, Mari. The Image of Aleksandr Nevskiy in Medieval Russia: Warrior and Saint (The Northern World; 21). Leiden: Brill Academic Publishers, 2006
2. Alexander Nevsky, Saint. (2006). In Encyclop?dia Britannica. Retrieved December 8, 2006, from Encyclop?dia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-234