Andreas von Velven Landmaster of the Teutonic Order in Livonia (1240-1241, 1248-1253) Date of Birth: 01.01.1201 Country: Austria

1. Andreas von Velven, Grand Master of the Teutonic Order in Livonia
2. Battle on the Ice
3. Suppression of the Ösel Rebellion
4. Participation in the Livonian Crusade
5. Aggressive Expansionism
6. Failure to Aid Galicia
7. Negotiations with Mindaugas
8. Crowning of Mindaugas
9. Retirement to Germany

Andreas von Velven, Grand Master of the Teutonic Order in Livonia

Andreas von Velven served as the Landmeister (Grand Master) of the Teutonic Order in Livonia from 1240-1241 and again from 1248-1253. Prior to his tenure as Landmeister, he held the position of Komtur (Commander) of Riga, according to Balthasar Russow.

Battle on the Ice

Von Velven gained notoriety for his command of Livonian knights during the famous "Battle on the Ice" in 1242. Notably, he did not engage in combat directly, assigning leadership to his Komturs. His decision to maintain a safe distance from the battle prevented his capture.

Suppression of the Ösel Rebellion

In 1241, an uprising occurred on the island of Ösel (Saaremaa), where the Estonians revolted, renounced Christianity, and began slaughtering Germans. Bishop Heinrich of Ösel narrowly escaped death. Landmeister von Velven successfully quelled the rebellion, forcing the locals to return to Christianity and acknowledge the Order's authority.

Participation in the Livonian Crusade

Von Velven's leadership role in the Livonian Crusade against Russia is evidenced by his agreement with the Bishop of Ösel to divide secular and spiritual jurisdiction in conquered Russian territories. In the "Life of Alexander Nevsky," he is mentioned as "Andreyash" and his alleged journey to Russia is described, though its historical validity remains unverified.

Aggressive Expansionism

Upon becoming Landmeister for a second time in 1248, Andreas von Velven pursued an aggressive policy, seeking to subdue the Semigallians, Samogitians, and Lithuanians. He formed a military alliance with Prince Daniel Romanovich of Galicia against Grand Duke Mindaugas of Lithuania.

Failure to Aid Galicia

Despite pledging assistance to Prince Daniel in his campaign against Lithuania, the Livonian knights did not provide the promised support in 1250. Prince Tovtivil, Mindaugas' nephew, subsequently converted to Catholicism and received baptism in Riga under the name Gottlieb.

Negotiations with Mindaugas

Mindaugas successfully disrupted the anti-Lithuanian coalition by negotiating with Grand Master von Velven in 1251. In exchange for accepting baptism and receiving the title of king from the Pope, Mindaugas relinquished territories to the Livonian Order.

Crowning of Mindaugas

After Mindaugas converted to Catholicism and received papal approval, Andreas von Velven organized his coronation in 1253. In return for the crown, Mindaugas ceded additional lands to the crusaders.

Retirement to Germany

Andreas von Velven stepped down from his position as Landmeister in 1253 and returned to Germany.