The Battle of Neva took place on July 15, 1240, between the forces of the Novgorod Republic and the Swedish army. This conflict was part of the larger struggle for control over the trade routes in the region. The Novgorodians, led by Prince Alexander Nevsky, successfully defended their territory against the Swedish invaders, marking a significant victory for Novgorod. The battle is notable for its strategic importance, as it helped to establish Novgorod's influence in the area and thwarted Swedish expansion. Alexander Nevsky's leadership during the battle earned him a reputation as a national hero in Russian history, and he later became a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church.