Alexander Nevsky, Saint (ca. 1220–1263)

• Published in: E3S Web of Conferences
• Main Author: Lind, John
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2011
• Subjects: Republic of Novgorod
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781444338232.wbeow010; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/9781444338232.wbeow010

Abstract Alexander was the oldest son of Prince Iaroslav Vsevolodich, hereditary prince of Pereiaslavl'‐Zalesskii and elected prince of the rich city‐republic of Novgorod. In 1236 Iaroslav decided to leave Novgorod to become prince of Kiev. By then Iaroslav must already have persuaded the Novgorodians to adopt his young son Alexander as their new prince: in contrast to other Russian principalities, princes in Novgorod were on contract and could be discharged with short notice. In doing so the city leaders doubtless counted on continued aid from Iaroslav, one of Novgorod's longest‐serving princes, should a military threat against Novgorod arise. The main role of the prince in Novgorod was to provide the city‐state with a professional army in addition to its town militia.