The Battle of Lake Peipus took place on April 5, 1242, between the forces of the Teutonic Knights and the Novgorod Republic. This conflict was part of the larger struggle for control over the Baltic region. The Novgorod army, led by Prince Alexander Nevsky, aimed to defend their territory against the expansion of the Teutonic Knights, who sought to convert the local population to Christianity. The battle occurred on the frozen surface of Lake Peipus, where the Novgorod forces utilized their knowledge of the terrain to gain an advantage. The decisive victory for Alexander Nevsky not only halted the advance of the Teutonic Knights but also solidified his reputation as a national hero in Russian history.