The Siege of Leningrad: 872 Days and the Road of Life

The Siege of Leningrad lasted 872 days — the longest and most destructive siege in history. Over 1 million civilians died, mostly from starvation. When Lake Ladoga froze solid in winter, the 'Road of Life' became the only supply route into the city. Drivers crossed the ice road in total darkness (headlights would attract Luftwaffe bombers) at 15 mph in temperatures below -30°F. The ice cracked under the weight of the trucks and many drivers were crushed or drowned. An estimated 30,000 trucks were lost to enemy fire and ice breakage. Despite everything, the road supplied the city with enough food to prevent total collapse.