The Great Northern War had its roots in Denmark and Poland-Saxony's desire to regain territories that had been lost to Sweden during the 17th century. Sweden had emerged as a dominant military power in Northern Europe during this time. In 1698 and 1699, the rulers of Denmark and Poland-Saxony approached Peter I of Russia (Peter the Great), seeking alliances against Sweden.
Peter saw an opportunity to reclaim Ingria, a territory that had been lost to Sweden in 1618, which would provide Russia to secure territory on the Baltic Sea and gain access to the Black Sea.