The Battle of the Ice took place on April 5, 1242, during the Northern Crusades. It was fought between the forces of the Teutonic Knights and the Novgorod Republic on the frozen surface of Lake Peipus. The battle was significant in halting the expansion of the Teutonic Order into Russian territories. Led by Prince Alexander Nevsky, the Novgorod forces utilized the icy terrain to their advantage, employing tactics that outmaneuvered the heavily armored knights. The victory solidified Alexander's reputation as a national hero and helped preserve the independence of the Novgorod Republic against foreign invaders.