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==Life==
Alexander Yaroslavich (Александр Ярославич, in Russian) was born in Pereslavl-Zalessky, the fourth son of Grand Prince Yaroslav II Vsevolodovich of Vladimir , was born in Pereslavl-Zalessky on [[May 30]], 1219. He was the grandson of Vsevolod III (Big Nest, for his numerous family). Being fourth in line, he was considered to have no chance of succeeding his father to the throne of Vladimir. In 1239, he married Alexandra, the daughter of the Prince of Polotsk. After his father was poisoned during a visit to see Uzhedei, the Mongol/Tatar Grand Khan in 1246, Alexander succeeded as the Grand Prince of Vladimir.
In 1236, he was called by the leaders of Novgorod (formally, ''Lord Novgorod the Great'') as their military leader in defense against Swedish and German invaders. He was named the Prince of [[Novgorod]]. At the time Novgorod was a major trading center and was associated with the Hanseatic League. On [[July 15]], 1240, Alexander and his army surprised the Swedish army in a battle at the confluence of the river Izhora with the Neva. With his victory over the Swedes, Alexander put an end to a further invasion from the north and increased his political influence in Russia. However, the victory did not help his relations with the boyars and he soon had to leave Novgorod. In recognition of his victory the nineteen year old Alexander was given the name "Nevsky" (of the Neva).
