Ivan Olshanski

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Ivan Olshanski (Lithuanian: Jonas Alšėniškis, died in or after 1402) is the first known and undisputed member of the princely Olshanski family. Historians only know his fathers name, Algimantas. Ivan was a faithful companion of Vytautas the Great, Grand Duke of Lithuania. They both were married to daughters of Sudimantas of Eišiškės.^[1]

When Vytautas escaped to the Teutonic Knights in 1382, Ivan followed him and Jogaila took away his estate. However, as Vytautas and Jogaila reconciled few years later, Ivan gifted Jogaila with a golden belt and received his estate back. Ivan followed Vytautas when he escaped to the knights once again in 1390. Vytautas married his only daughter Sophia to Vasili I of Russia in 1391 and Ivan escorted Sophia to Moscow. After Vytautas gained a powerful ally in the east, Jogaila agreed to make peace. Ivan became the right hand of Vytautas, and after Skirgaila death, he ruled Kiev as viceregent.

The influence Ivan had in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania is showcased by the fact that he signed many treaties, including Treaty of Salynas in 1398 and Pact of Vilnius and Radom in 1401. Ivan was mentioned in 1402 for the last time, and it is believed he died in that year. There are four known sons of Ivan: Alexandr, Andrew, Micheal and Simanas. Ivan's daughter Juliana became the third wife of Vytautas in 1418.

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^ (Lithuanian) (2004) Lietuvos valdovai (XIII-XVIII a.): enciklopedinis žinynas, Vytautas Spečiūnas (compiler), Vilnius: Moklso ir enciklopedijų leidybos institutas, 78. ISBN 5-420-01535-8.