The Battle on the Ice, fought on the frozen surface of Lake Peipus, was a pivotal confrontation during the struggle for power between the Russian principalities and the Teutonic Knights, a military order emerging from the Christianization of the Baltic region. Under the leadership of Prince Alexander Nevsky, the Russian forces employed a combination of tactical ingenuity and knowledge of the treacherous ice. The historical significance of this battle extended beyond territorial disputes; it also symbolized the defense of Orthodox Christianity against Western Catholic encroachment.

In April, when the battle occurred, the Teutonic Knights sought to expand their influence through the conquest of Novgorod and other Russian lands. The freezing weather played a crucial role, as the ice was both a pathway and a battlefield. At one point in the battle, the Russian forces feigned a retreat, luring the heavily armored knights onto the thin ice, which ultimately gave way under their weight, leading to their demise in the freezing waters of the lake.

The aftermath of the battle solidified Alexander Nevsky's reputation as a military leader and statesman. The victory also earned him the respect of his peers and increased his power in the region, reinforcing the unity among various Russian factions. It played a crucial role in boosting the morale of the Russian principalities and ensuring their survival against external threats, shaping the future of Russian resistance against invasion.