Adam Ludwig Lewenhaupt had arrived in Livonia in 1701 and subsequently became army commander over the forces in Kurland, south of the Düna (Dvina) river. After the battle of Saladen,

Boris Scheremetjev had been harassing Livonia for several years and practically destroyed the defending forces there under Wolmar Anton von Schlippenbach. After capturing several towns, including Dorpat and Narva, The main russian army had been transfered to eastern Lithuania in order to coordinate with the beleagured saxon troops. Only together, could they successfully attack the main swedish army under the King's own command. But in order to do this, Lewenhaupt's army had to be eliminated, or it would be a threat in the rear of russian operations.

Ordre de Bataille
The Officers
The battle
Main Battle screen