Battle of Nezhatina Niva (1078)


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 * result     = Defeat of the rebels and death of Boris Vyacheslavich
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 * combatant1 = Principality of Chernigov Grand Principality of Kiev
 * combatant2 = Rebels
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 * commander1 = Izyaslav Yaropolk Vsevolod Vladimir
 * commander2 = Boris Vyacheslavich
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 * strength1  = unknown
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 * casualties1 = Izyaslav
 * casualties2 = Boris Vyacheslavich
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The Battle of the Nezhatina Niva took place in the vicinity of present day's settlement of Nizhyn, Nizhyn Raion, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine on 3 October 1078.

In 1078, Oleg Svyatoslavich and Boris Vyacheslavich rebelled against the sons of Yaroslav the Wise - the Izyaslav, Prince of Kiev and Vsevolod, prince of Chernigov. Oleg, securing the help of the Cumans captured Chernigov and forced Vsevolod to flee to Kiev.

Vsevolod asked his brothers for help. Four princes - Izyaslav with his son Yaropolk and Vsevolod and his son Vladimir, gathered an army and besieged Chernigov. Oleg and Boris were absent, but the city was able to defend itself until Vladimir stormed the rampart and conquered the city. Oleg did not expect to win the war against the four allied princes and advised his brother to enter into peace talks, but Boris decided to fight on and was killed in battle. Izyaslav participated in the battle leading his infantry and was hit by an enemy rider with a spear in his shoulder, inflicting him a mortal wound. Oleg fled with a small number of soldiers to Tmutarakan. After Izyaslav's death, Vsevolod took over the Grand Principality of Kiev, keeping at the same time the Principality of Chernigov.

The battle is mentioned in the The Tale of Igor's Campaign.