Russia's capture of Nöteborg gave Peter the Great control of a key Neva River fortress, enabling further expansion toward the Baltic Sea.
Key Facts
- Russian force assembled
- 20,000 men
- Men on Neva riverbanks
- ~12,000
- March duration
- 10 days
- Date of surrender
- 22 October 1702
- Fortress renamed
- Shlisselburg (from Nöteborg)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Great Northern War, Peter the Great sought to wrest strategic Baltic-region fortresses from Swedish control. Nöteborg, situated on the Neva River, was a critical Swedish stronghold blocking Russian ambitions toward the Baltic, prompting Peter to assemble a large force and march to besiege it.
In October 1702, Russian forces under Boris Sheremetev bombarded the Swedish fortress of Nöteborg after commander Wilhelm von Schlippenbach refused to surrender. A final Russian assault suffered heavy casualties but compelled the Swedish defenders to capitulate on 22 October 1702, delivering the fort to Russian hands.
Following the capture, Peter the Great immediately began rebuilding and repurposing the fortress, renaming it Shlisselburg. The victory secured a vital point on the Neva River and advanced Russia's strategic position in the Great Northern War, contributing to eventual Russian dominance over the Baltic region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Peter the Great, Boris Sheremetev.
Side B
1 belligerent
Wilhelm von Schlippenbach.