The siege of Narva was a pivotal battle in Alexander Nevksy's northern campaigns. It marked the first siege mounted by the new Russian cavalry armies, and also secured the city of Novgorod from Danish assualt. After the first battle of Narva, Grand Duke Nevksy marched his army to the castle at Narva, and laid siege to it in 1254 AD. However, they would be forced to maintain the siege for another year whilst catapults were brough up from Novgorod.