Situation in Sweden Battle of the Neva

since death of king john in 1222, sweden in de facto state of civil war until 1248 when birger jarl managed seize power in kingdom. unrest due struggle between wanted keep old tribal structure, folkung party, , king, assisted church. folkungs, uppland, heavily resisted centralization of power, taxation of swedes of uppland, , church privileges. had temporarily succeeded in deposing king in 1229, forced give in 5 years later, far defeated yet. uppland remained largely independent of king, , northern areas continued in folkung hands. uneasy truce continued until 1247, when folkung rebellion put end @ battle of sparrsätra , leader beheaded year later.

furthermore, official sweden on brink of war norway ever since norwegians infamous värmland expedition in 1225. relations improved after treaty of lödöse in 1249, forged newly empowered birger jarl. before treaty, norway remained ally of folkungs, giving them refuge , providing men , arms.

in situation, seems unlikely sweden have been able organize major expedition against novgorod. swedes not known have carried out other military campaigns between 1222 , 1249, making claims forceful appearance @ neva norwegians allies seem questionable.