The Battle of Poltava took place on June 27, 1709, during the Great Northern War. It was a decisive conflict between the forces of the Swedish Empire, led by King Charles XII, and the Russian Empire, commanded by Tsar Peter the Great. The battle marked a turning point in the war, as the Russian army's superior numbers and tactics overwhelmed the Swedish forces. The defeat at Poltava led to the decline of Swedish power in Europe and the rise of Russia as a major player. Following the battle, many Swedish soldiers were captured, and the event significantly shifted the balance of power in the region.