Olhovych house [Ol’hovyč]. A house of the Riurykide dynasty in Chernihiv principality, descended from Prince Oleh (Mykhailo) Sviatoslavych (d 1115). It was noted for its family cohesiveness and political strength until the 1237–40 Mongol invasion. The Olhovychi were successful in maintaining control over Chernihiv principality and fought for control of Kyiv and primacy in Rus’ with the princely house descended from Volodymyr Monomakh, often with the military backing of the Cumans. Olhovychi who became grand princes of Kyiv included Vsevolod Olhovych, Ihor Olhovych, Sviatoslav III Vsevolodovych, Vsevolod Sviatoslavych Chermny, and Mykhailo Vsevolodovych. Other notable Olhovychi were Yaroslav Vsevolodovych; Ihor Sviatoslavych and Vsevolod Sviatoslavych, the heroes of the epic Slovo o polku Ihorevi; Volodymyr Ihorovych and Roman Ihorovych; Iziaslav Volodymyrovych; and Roman Mykhailovych and Rostyslav Mykhailovych.

[This article originally appeared in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, vol. 3 (1993).]