Teutonic Campaign on Eastern Europe

Someone could describe me about the Teutonic Knights Campaign on Eastern Europe? I need your help.

The victory of the Russian prince Alexander Nevsky over the Teutonic knights a the battle of the Ice 1242 is one of the most significant points in the Russian history. It effectively halted Order's advance in Russian lands.

 

 Alexander Nevsky is canonized as a saint by Russian Orthodox Church

 

In 1938 Soviet director Eisenstein, made an epic Alexander Nevsky. The film was very famous all over the world and is considered a classic example of historical epic movies.

 

Although its old but some of the battle scenes are still really great ! You can watch the whole movie with English subtitles here.

 

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3081784922766209878

 

Edited by Sarmat12 - 27-Jun-2007 at 13:36

Common, Sarmat, Battle of Ice importance is WAY too much exaggerated in Russian medieval history and in the whole context of Teutonic Order actions in Baltic. Your mentioned movie which is perfect example how not to make historical movies, similar to Hollywood products.
 
There were lots of bigger battles and way more important than battle of Ice which majority aren't aware off. I don't know why this certain battle has grown to almost mythical status, but had so little importance in later events in 13th century.

Also Northern Crusades or Baltic Crusades (depends on context) were not directed against Russian orthodox, though of course fights happened with Orthodox Russians, Catholic Poles and later also with other "German " states like Brandenburg and various from Livonia.

I guess that the best sources in English language about Teutonic campaign in Baltic are the articles and books written by American historian William Urban.
You can read his articles here:
http://department.monm.edu/history/urban/articles/articles.htm

Though if you have some specific questions, I will be glad to answer.

Ah, and BTW wikipedia isn't the best source if you want to know more about Teutonics.



Edited by axeman - 27-Jun-2007 at 14:45

Originally posted by Sarmat12    Dear axeman, don't worry so much. Actually wikipedia also gives the account similar to your assesment.   I don't say that Battle of the Ice, was more important than for example Battle of Tannenberg.   But the thing is that for Russians, this is the most famous battle in the context of the interactions between the Order and Ancient Russia. That's it. Besides, I don't say that the movie is 100% historically accurate. But it is fun to watch it !

Well when I referred to the importance of the Battle of Ice - I didn't compare it with huge battle like Tannenberg, but rather with other 13th century battles, for example Durbe 1260. Many people aren't aware of this battle, but this was the largest battle in Baltic in whole 13th century. I guess wikipedia has article about it too.

Though indeed that movie is fun to watch , just makes you wonder how one can put 20th century ideas and attitudes in the movie about 13th century. Though the cinematographic work was outstanding, Eisenstein was a really great director, too bad he had to work for Stalin.

Originally posted by rider Well, it wasn't the Teutonic order that was defeated in 1242... But it was important in many ways, just as Battle of Saule (1236) was important...

Rider is right. The Order that Russians fought in Battle of Ice was called Order of Cavaliers of the Sword not Teutopnic Order.

You are also wrong.
Fratres milicie Christi or Livonian Brothers of the Sword were anihilated by Lithuanians in battle of Saule.

Both wrong. The Livonian Brothers of the Sword were incorporated into the Livonian Order which was a subordinate of the Teutonic Order. Yes, Lithuanians played a part in Saule (and it was 1236) but I remember a contingency of Latgals there too.

The Livonian Order was disassembled only in 1561 when the Grand Master Godhard Kettler surrendered to the Polish Crown and became the Duke of Courland.

Originally posted by Milns You are also wrong. Fratres milicie Christi or Livonian Brothers of the Sword were anihilated by Lithuanians in battle of Saule.

I said exactly the same, so how am I wrong?

Oh damned, I always mix those guys up... Semgals then... 

Hey.. we wanna talk about the Teutonics okay..